Struggling with RCIA

[Andrew325]

Hello everyone. I’m trying to get back into RCIA again and could use your encouragement. I’ve been through all the usually questions that a once protestant usually goes through (mary, saints, papacy, iconoclasm, purgatory, etc.) and I think God is calling me to really dive deeper: what do I want in life, what is faith, do I want to have a relationship with God etc etc. I know some of you have gone through RCIA and I would love your encouragement and (name removed by moderator)ut on how to keep on keepin on. It is sometimes hard to encourage myself to attend the weekly meetings in midst of other duties and tasks. Nonetheless I guess I have to try to put God first (it’s hard to push yourself to do that when you don’t really feel spiritual), Anyone whose gone through RCIA or has had an experience with it have any (name removed by moderator)ut? much appreciated, thanks.

 

[Monica4316]

Hi, I’m not in RCIA although I am becoming Catholic too (I just don’t need RCIA cause I’ve been confirmed already).

the only advice I have (and I’m sure others here can tell you more) is to take all those things you learned and try to put them into practice. For example…you learned about the Eucharist; try to make a regular Holy Hour at Adoration. etc. Read books by the Saints. The faith becomes more ‘personal’ once we begin really actively practicing it… research Catholic devotions and prayers… apply things you learned… I don’t know where you are spiritually, but I do know that God comes to us where we are and He uses things in our lives to help us…

try to find a more ‘personal’ approach. I can’t really say how cause it’s different for each person. For me, Catholicism really became real once I started looking at the Eucharist as actually Jesus physically present there before me… and I started going to Adoration and just talking to Him… even if I didn’t feel anything. Just being really open and sincere with Him. And He used that to help me grow more in faith and in understanding of this Sacrament.

God bless

 

[Christy_Beth]

Monica, how can you be confirmed and not yet be a Catholic?

I went through RCIA and found that it’s a bit like kindergarten. You learn enough to become familiar with Church teachings. But it shouldn’t stop there. Get a “suggested reading list” from your priest, or sponser perhaps. You might be able to borrow some to see if it’s something helpful. Occasionally the library has something suitable, but don’t depend on that.

There are so many books out there it’s a bit hard to know what to suggest. Someone closer to you may be more helpful. I have several books I like, but they may not be what you need.

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

Hi, I went along to the instruction classes for a good while back in 1989 I think. My sister in law was a protestant convert and I joined in to learn a bit. It’s amazing how we can find time and energy when we really want to do something. We’re all the same. The faith is like anything in life- the more you put in , the more you get out of it. Push yourself. You won’t be wasting your time. If you can take those first few steps then Jesus will walk with you the rest of the way. Even if you think he’s not there, he is. What do you want in life? Do you want to be happy? The only way you will ever be truly happy is to know the truth and have a relationship with our Lord. The classes are the starting point. Make the effort and reap the rewards in this life and the next. I’ll pray for you. God bless.

 

[puzzleannie]

suggestions for what it’s worth
the time you spend outside of class is even more important than the class time–doing the suggested reading in the catechism, bible or textbook, or “handouts”. Spending time with the scripture that formed the basis of the lesson that week – either the Sunday readings or the scripture used in the lesson. Reading slowly, carefully, taking notes, reflectively the catechism sections that form the basis of the lesson each week–your resource or text should include these. Doing more research here or other good sites on sticking points, and most important, preparing questions for your catechist and asking for more direction when needed.

Daily prayer, in the form you have always done it as a Christian, gradually incorporating specifically Catholic ways of praying, specifically lectio divina and the rosary. The rosary because it at the same time teaches the basic Catholic prayers, and because it leads gently and naturally to meditation on the gospel stories most directly relevant to those in the conversion process.

If you have time for only one thing this weekend, Mass or your class, go to Mass. Begin a systematic look at your priorities so that your RCIA gathering moves up a notch each week until it becomes #2.

Doing what I suggest will increase your hunger for the truth, for more immersion in God’s word and for union with the Church, where your hunger will be satisfied, and that will provide the motivation you seek.

the foundational prayers for the catechumenate are the Creed and the Our Father, Pray them daily, from a card or “handout” until memorized, but even then, it is good to read as well as pray aloud because you are meditating on the meaning of each phrase.

Monica I believe is Orthodox so already confirmed, and is preparing for full communion with the Catholic Church through profession of faith, and has wisely chosen to participate with others in RCIA for a more systematic grounding in the faith. am I right? anyhow, welcome home to all of you.

 

[Monica4316]

Monica, how can you be confirmed and not yet be a Catholic?

I was confirmed and baptized Eastern Orthodox, and that’s accepted by the Catholic Church I only need to make a profession of faith, go to Confession, and receive Communion.

 

[Monica4316]

Monica I believe is Orthodox so already confirmed, and is preparing for full communion with the Catholic Church through profession of faith, and has wisely chosen to participate with others in RCIA for a more systematic grounding in the faith. am I right? anyhow, welcome home to all of you.

Hi, I’m actually not in RCIA (although I do think it would have been a good idea to go through it too) cause my priest said I don’t need it. He did tell me that it’s important I am properly prepared, gave me a book to read, and offered to meet with me to discuss Catholicism.

And you’re correct, I was baptized and confirmed Orthodox.

 

[army_girl]

Hi Andrew, I went through RCIA just a few years ago and know what you are feeling. I also struggled to find my place there, so I made excuses and a list of ‘why not to go this time’. To be honest I only never went once, and felt soooo guilty that I never did it again! But what helped me get through is everynight before I went to bed I talked to God and reflected on why I am doing this. For me it was as if my soul was crying, I felt so lost in this crazy world. Converting has quieted the crying but I’m still not fully there. I think that once you decide to go down this spiritual road, you need to know that it will not be a easy paved road, there is bound to be bumps and curves and sometimes detours. But through pray and dedication you will make it through.
Good Luck to you, and God Bless

Amanda

 

[a_sinner]

Hello everyone. I’m trying to get back into RCIA again and could use your encouragement. I’ve been through all the usually questions that a once protestant usually goes through (mary, saints, papacy, iconoclasm, purgatory, etc.) and I think God is calling me to really dive deeper: what do I want in life, what is faith, do I want to have a relationship with God etc etc. I know some of you have gone through RCIA and I would love your encouragement and (name removed by moderator)ut on how to keep on keepin on. It is sometimes hard to encourage myself to attend the weekly meetings in midst of other duties and tasks. Nonetheless I guess I have to try to put God first (it’s hard to push yourself to do that when you don’t really feel spiritual), Anyone whose gone through RCIA or has had an experience with it have any (name removed by moderator)ut? much appreciated, thanks.

I went through RCIA two years ago, it was the best thing I ever did!
Just go! Remember to pray and read the Gospel and study your Catechism while you’re going.

The main thing is, don’t forget how wonderful it will be when you can be fully united with The Church, and recieve the gift of The Holy Eucharist!!!

 

[Shin]

I was just reading about St. Andrew the Commander. . .

Faith… is fidelity… is believing what God has told you, His promises, what He will do if you do what He tells you to do. . .

The more and deeper this believe becomes… the more heartfelt… the more your trust… Ah…

The more you will be given. And the more your Faith with the less visible reward you are given… ah that is heights of it…

Faith… Hope… and Charity… there are saints named each with stories too.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi, I’m not in RCIA although I am becoming Catholic too (I just don’t need RCIA cause I’ve been confirmed already).

the only advice I have (and I’m sure others here can tell you more) is to take all those things you learned and try to put them into practice. For example…you learned about the Eucharist; try to make a regular Holy Hour at Adoration. etc. Read books by the Saints. The faith becomes more ‘personal’ once we begin really actively practicing it… research Catholic devotions and prayers… apply things you learned… I don’t know where you are spiritually, but I do know that God comes to us where we are and He uses things in our lives to help us…

try to find a more ‘personal’ approach. I can’t really say how cause it’s different for each person. For me, Catholicism really became real once I started looking at the Eucharist as actually Jesus physically present there before me… and I started going to Adoration and just talking to Him… even if I didn’t feel anything. Just being really open and sincere with Him. And He used that to help me grow more in faith and in understanding of this Sacrament.

God bless

“I’m not in RCIA although I am becoming Catholic too (I just don’t need RCIA cause I’ve been confirmed already)”

This does not make sense. You could not have been validly Confirmed if you were/are not Catholic, the only exception would be that you are Orthodox, and then nothing but a profession is required.

 

[mystagogia]

Hello everyone. I’m trying to get back into RCIA again and could use your encouragement. I’ve been through all the usually questions that a once protestant usually goes through (mary, saints, papacy, iconoclasm, purgatory, etc.) and I think God is calling me to really dive deeper: what do I want in life, what is faith, do I want to have a relationship with God etc etc. I know some of you have gone through RCIA and I would love your encouragement and (name removed by moderator)ut on how to keep on keepin on. It is sometimes hard to encourage myself to attend the weekly meetings in midst of other duties and tasks. Nonetheless I guess I have to try to put God first (it’s hard to push yourself to do that when you don’t really feel spiritual), Anyone whose gone through RCIA or has had an experience with it have any (name removed by moderator)ut? much appreciated, thanks.

Hi Andrew!

I’m a Protesant going through RCIA myself. My (name removed by moderator)ut for keeping it going is keep involved in the life of the Church the ways that you can. Go to mass, get invovled in church activities, get to know the parish.

Make an appointment with the pastor and go talk to him if you haven’t.

Realize that right now it is really close to Easter; it may be impossible to get into RCIA programs in some parishes right now. They’ll tell you to target next year. Don’t take that as a rejection, or let that stop you from participating in that parish the ways you can anyway. Talk to the priest about how you can do that.

Pray for guidance and support from the Holy Spirit. One thing I did that helped me enormously was buying a rosary and attempting to pray it every day. I want to stress the word “attempting”, lol. That might be a radical step for someone from a Protestant background due to the ingrained unease built into us over Marianism, but with frank honesty let me assure you that the rosary prayers were quite crucial to my experience so maybe they can be for you as well.

May the Lord be with you, Andrew! I wish you well!