What It Means to Be Catholic. RCIA August 23, 2016

Transcription

1 What It Means to Be Catholic RCIA August 23, 2016

2 Opening Prayer John Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (#271 Lucado potluck)

3 Why are you interested in learning more about the Catholic faith? interested in becoming Catholic? interested in returning to an active participation in the Catholic Church? an active member of the Catholic Church?

4 What do non-catholics think Catholics believe?

5 Proper Framing is Important Consider this example: A newspaper is better than a magazine. A seashore is a better place than the street. At first it is better to run than to walk. You may have to try several times. It takes some skill, but it s easy to learn. Even young children can enjoy it. Birds seldom get too close. Rain, however, soaks in very fast. One needs lots of room. If there are no complications it can be very peaceful. A rock will serve as an anchor. If things break loose from it, however, you will not get a second chance.

6 Without any context to frame the sentences, this paragraph is nonsensical Maybe a few things hold a little meaning But without the frame, we get lost get frustrated eventually give up trying to understand or come up with our own interpretation

7 Often in our upbringing Christianity isn t properly framed for us Maybe a few things hold a little meaning, but without the frame, we get frustrated with what appear to be meaningless dogmas & doctrines eventually we re tempted to give up or come up with our own interpretation

8 Maybe Church teaching - whether on the Trinity, Incarnation, Virgin Mary, morals, or sexuality hasn t made sense to us because we haven t been given the right frame. Kite Now read that meaningless paragraph again.

9 A newspaper is better than a magazine. A seashore is a better place than the street. At first it is better to run than to walk. You may have to try several times. It takes some skill, but it s easy to learn. Even young children can enjoy it. Birds seldom get too close. Rain, however, soaks in very fast. One needs lots of room. If there are no complications it can be very peaceful. A rock will serve as an anchor. If things break loose from it, however, you will not get a second chance. Mike Metzger, Clapham Institute Christopher West, Fill These Hearts

10 What does it really mean to be Catholic?

11 We Believe * in one loving, personal God in three divine persons * that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God * that Christ died for us, rose from the dead, and will come again

12 We Believe * that Jesus is present in the Holy Eucharist * that scripture is the primary, sufficient, and reliable source of our beliefs

13 We Believe * in the Apostles and Nicene Creeds produced by the early councils * that through the Apostolic Succession, Jesus empowers clergy for ministry

14 We Believe * in one holy, catholic, and apostolic church made up of all Christian believers * that through the Holy Spirit, the sacraments impart the grace which they signify

15 We Believe * in obeying the Great Commandments to love God and love our neighbor

16 Being Catholic is more than * a religion (a collection of beliefs and values) * a set of rules and regulations * an assortment of duties and obligations

17 Being Catholic means * Striving to live the Gospel * Being authentic and realizing our full potential * Trying to be like Jesus

18 Being Catholic means Being part of a community Drawing on a rich spiritual tradition Always having something to celebrate Having examples of wonderful heroes and heroines Taking a stand on peace and justice Participating in a universal faith

19 In the final analysis Being a Catholic Christian is not about being a member of an institution. It is about being a member of the Body of Christ. It s not just about what you believe. It is about relationship... It s not mainly about following the rules. It is about following Jesus.. May God grant us all the grace to do his will and follow Jesus in all things. Amen.