One Journey into Catholic Faith
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First Member
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[Edit: Topic renamed from "R.C.I.A." to more appropriately represent its contents.]
By request I'll post my sense of things in RCIA. Catholics, feel free to clarify things where you see I have them off kilter... I'm at a point where I don't have questions so much as I need clarification of things I don't realize I've got wrong!
Others, feel free to ask questions, but this is the Spirituality forum -- not a debate forum.
Thanks, and God bless,
Diana
Edited by Diana Holberg on 09/22/2005 09:14:33
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11-15-2004 was my first week attending RCIA. It was the Monday prior to the Rite of Welcome for the candidates, so mostly they were rehearsing for the ceremony.
I am not considered a candidate yet -- I was introduced as someone who is "checking out the faith". This is mostly due to the timing -- I have not been through the inquiry stage and the candidates have just completed that.
I did learn a lot about the Sign of the Cross... we listened to a tape and did a kind of meditation. It reminded me of the self-hypnosis tapes my mother used to play to go to sleep, and it also had references to "Mother God" that I found a little disturbing, but I tried not to dwell on those things.
At each point of the Sign of the Cross, it gave some really interesting descriptions of things we could think about... I don't remember a lot of them, but I do remember at the left shoulder it was suggested that we thank God for the artistic and emotional, "mother-like" qualities in our personality, while at the right shoulder we thanked God for our common sense, practical, "father-like" qualities, etc. At the end, just before putting our hands together, it was suggested that we pray for continued integration of all these things. It was a little New Agey to me, but also inspiring in a way.
We were also to meditate before the Tabernacle about the qualities of God that were most meaningful to us right now, and also about what we desired from God and from the Church (we were given lists to help us). Sunday at Mass during the Rite of Welcome I recognized that each of the candidates was asked to recite the one thing they desired most from the Church.
Oh, and I also noticed that all of the candidates went forward at the time of Eucharist and received blessings...
That's all I can remember... it's been a week you know 
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11-22-2004 was tonight, and the subject was heaven, hell and purgatory. Fr. Dan was there so the format was a mini version of Mass. I was comfortable with the Sign of the Cross given that we had learned so much about it last week, but when it came to the reading of the Gospel I hesitated, having not made the smaller signs before. Maybe next week...
The Scripture readings were from Maccabees about the 7 brothers who refused to eat pork and the passage from the Gospels about the 7 brothers who all married the same woman (consecutively) -- but the point in both cases was the hope of Resurrection.
We were asked to break off with our sponsors (I don't have one, so I was with an RCIA Team member) and share answers to three questions. First, we were to describe how we have experienced our faith being challenged in a way like those brothers with the pork. For me recently, this has been incidents like those I've described elsewhere with my pastor and mentor -- where the people I admire and respect disagree with my actions but, in one way or another, confirm anyway that God is leading me. The challenge is following Christ when those I admire conflict with (and yet mysteriously confirm) His leading.
Next we were to discuss the comfort of the Resurrection. My partner asked me if this is an uncomfortable subject for me -- far from it!! But I notice that people's views change as they lose loved ones, and I have been spared that experience so far. Today, given the events with my brother and the forklift, I did have a moment this morning when I completely relinquished him to God. Among my first thoughts was, "He's done well by You, so if it's his time, I'll accept that and be glad!" Because I'm in the habit of thinking of people immediately being with Jesus, I don't yet think of the Resurrection as something to hope for... for me it is still more or less a given reality.
Lastly, as a group, we discussed purgatory and hell -- and, by necessity, free will. Again Maccabees was referenced as the Scriptural backing for purgatory, but kind of weakly. Fr. Dan seemed to draw on reason as the primary source of the concept, with logic something like, "It stands to reason that if one's life is headed toward Truth and Love when one dies, there will be a continuation of that direction in the afterlife."
One thing that struck me is that he made a concerted effort to say that part of death is that our direction (toward or away from God) is solidified and cannot be changed after that point. So if at death a person is mostly embracing Truth and Love, we should be comforted that they will continue in that direction. However, if one were to die resisting Truth and Love, presumably that person would go to hell.
Yet he stressed that while the Church teaches the existence of Hell, there is no teaching about anyone specifically being there.
I think that about covers it!!
God bless, and good night!
Diana
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The existence of Hell as a literal place or the non-experience or experience of forever being away from God?
Great run-down of your RCIA experience. It reminds me of mine, as well. I thought it was funny that you mentioned the new-ageness of the feminine and masculine aspects of the Faith and our personalities. That was something I encountered in Catholicism which surprised me as well but I truly appreciate it. That's a whole new thread, though. In fact, I think we've discussed this a few months ago.
"Look on the bright side, if this is the best they've got around here, in six months we'll be running this planet." (Planet of the Apes)
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Sounds like some really good exposure and a time of learning. I have to say that I am not real gung ho on the 'Mother God' stuff - God, of course, transcends gender, but because of various agendas I'm cautious. I would prefer: "Mother of God' .... Pray for us!
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I appreciate it because the pastors I know who tackle the feminine side of God and our personalities are very Traditional. It is not a new-age thing, nor backed by a feminist agenda, although it's been hijacked by both.
"Look on the bright side, if this is the best they've got around here, in six months we'll be running this planet." (Planet of the Apes)
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thank you Diana for such a well detailed account of your RCIA experiences thus far. I will continue to keep you in my prayers as you are on your journey to where God is leading you. I wish I could be your sponsor!!!! 
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To spare Diana's thread, I started this topic: Feminine and Masculine.
"Look on the bright side, if this is the best they've got around here, in six months we'll be running this planet." (Planet of the Apes)
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Fifth Member
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Diana,
Thank you so much for letting us accompany you on your journey!
I second ANH sentiment of being your sponsor. 
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Thanks, guys. I forgot to mention that they also gave us a Liturgical Calendar, which for me was answered prayer this week.
I am so very ignorant of this, but as I've prepared to start a new career (with new schedules, etc.) I've had a steadily growing desire for the rhythm that I understand is there... 
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For all Catholics, the calendar is important. Remember this theme: Live liturgically.
"Look on the bright side, if this is the best they've got around here, in six months we'll be running this planet." (Planet of the Apes)
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quote:
Originally posted by Admin
The existence of Hell as a literal place or the non-experience or experience of forever being away from God?
We touched on both concepts lightly but did not explore either one.
However, Fr. Dan did talk a bit about the language of Scripture being descriptive rather than literal, since Heaven and Hell are places we cannot literally relate to. He said, "We don't believe there's actually fire in Hell -- it's just the best way we can describe the torment of being there."
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11-29-2004 Tonight was a very pleasant night at RCIA. I'd debated skipping it since I was in training all day and am quite exhausted and overloaded with new information -- but I'm SO glad I didn't because it was such a blessing!
We started by going into church and gathering around the Advent wreath with its single candle. The church was dark, and Sr. asked us to relax and think about how we are people who walk in darkness, and how Christ is our light. After a few moments, we sang "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", said a few prayers, and heard a reading from Isaiah. Then Sr. reminded us of the different kinds of darkness: physical, emotional, spiritual. She asked us to think about areas in our lives where there is emotional or spiritual darkness, and to consider who in our lives has brought the light of Christ there and pray thanks to God for them. After a few moments more we sang another verse, and then returned to the hall where we meet.
Sr. then led us in prayer and proceeded to talk about the Sacraments. She explained that what makes Catholic faith unique is that it is sacramental in that it celebrates the goodness of all of God's creation -- and especially human life. She told us how early Christians acknowledged all good things from God as "sacraments" -- indications of His presence with us.
She explained that:
- A Sacrament is more than a sign.
A sign is "one-dimensional". It points only to itself. For example, a stop-sign simply means stop.
- A Sacrament is more than a symbol.
A symbol is "two-dimensional". It points to itself and to a separate meaning. For example, if someone paints the face of Christ and then puts a teardrop on His face, that teardrop represents sorrow, but it also points to something else. Its addition to the painting of Christ points to the "Man of Sorrows". But a Sacrament is even more than this.
- A Sacrament is a reality.
A Sacrament is "three-dimensional". For example, if the teardrop in the painting were a Sacrament (which it is not, but bear with the example), the "Man of Sorrows" would truly be present in the painting of Christ.
Sr. then went through the seven Sacraments, grouping them into three categories: Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), Healing (Reconciliation, Anointing of Sick) and Service (Marriage, Ordination).
[As an aside, she asked us to note that there is a sacrament for married people and for priests, but no Sacrament for nuns! She says she has been a nun for nearly 40 years, but NO -- no Sacrament for her! ]
Oh, she also talked a bit about how at one time (she said in the Dark Ages) the Healing Sacraments (Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick) were only offered once in one's lifetime, and so people would wait until they thought they were dying to receive them -- hence the (outdated) term "Last Rites". I'd never heard this explanation... I thought they were still called that...
Sr. also discussed what are called "sacramentals" -- created objects (rosaries, images, candles, incense, oil, holy water, etc.), actions (genuflections, signs of the cross, etc.) and blessings used reverently. She told us about the Feasts of Candlemas and the blessing of the throats, and the blessed ashes of Lent.
She said we will revisit the Sacraments in the coming weeks, one by one. Unfortunately, I found out last week that my new job will require me to attend meetings on Monday nights  Sr. suggested I call a nearby parish to see if they offer RCIA on another night in case I have to switch... I'm pretty bummed about that -- please pray with me that I won't have to!!
God bless,
Diana
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New Member
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Member since 11/27/2004
Location: USA
Diana,
You mentioned: "Unfortunately, I found out last week that my new job will require me to attend meetings on Monday nights Sr. suggested I call a nearby parish to see if they offer RCIA on another night in case I have to switch... I'm pretty bummed about that -- please pray with me that I won't have to!!"
Back in my former life some time ago, I would've been pretty well bummed out too. But now after alotta bumps and scrapes along the road of life, I know better. It turns out that the Master Carpenter builds a better path than i could ever begin to imagine.
Just suppose for a minute or two, that the path you're currently on, wonderful as it is, will not turn out so great in the end. Maybe the Giver of all Life, has a better plan for you, like maybe a different parish will be your only choice if you are REALLY intent on doing RCIA. Suppose for a moment, that maybe this imaginary "other" parish will offer you a more difficult path to learning about The Faith--but in the end, YOU will become a much better person in God's eyes--living a life of great spiritual fulfillment.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta gave up all her personal desires in exchange for living in obedience to God's Will for her. Obedience is the secret. And knowing what that obedience is, depends whether you step up to the plate at every moment of life. You think that's hard? A lot to ask? The answer is seen in the face of any saint or saintly person == like Mother Teresa's!
Oh, yes, and I'll pray for you; honest, I will -- I'll pray that you'll find your joy in God's holy Will!
Yes! Oh yes!!!!
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Bless you Diana!
And welcome ojo!
"Look on the bright side, if this is the best they've got around here, in six months we'll be running this planet." (Planet of the Apes)
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Hi ojo... and welcome!!
Thank you so much for your post... you're absolutely right of course. I do find joy in God's will regardless of where it takes me -- no question about that.
However, I am now three weeks into RCIA and it is my local parish, where I attend Mass, where I am trying to meet people, where I am finding community. Sr. has stressed that this is as important as any other part of RCIA, and so it will sadden me not to see the other people weekly as I have been. But of course I will meet others -- I didn't at all mean to imply that I would have a problem with this.
There's more I'd like to say about this, but I suspect it might lead to debate -- something that is not part of the Spirituality forum. Maybe I'll find a way to work it into the debate forums...
Thanks again, and look forward to discussions with you!
God bless,
Diana
Edited by Diana Holberg on 11/30/2004 14:53:06
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