Mystagogy – Belonging to the Church and Living the Faith

Mystagogy – Session 5

Belonging to the Church and Living the Faith

This session forms part of the period of mystagogy following reception into the Church. It is intended to help those newly initiated understand what it means to belong to the Church and to live the Catholic Faith steadily over time.

Aim of this session

By the end of this session, participants should understand that:

  • belonging to the Church is lived, not earned
  • ordinary Catholic life is sufficient
  • holiness is usually quiet and hidden
  • vocation unfolds gradually
  • perseverance matters more than intensity

This session answers the question:

What does it mean to belong to the Church now?

1. Belonging Is Not Based on Activity

Belonging to the Church does not depend on:

  • constant involvement
  • taking on many roles
  • visible participation in everything

Belonging comes from:

  • Baptism
  • communion in the sacraments
  • fidelity to the life of the Church

The Church is not a club.
She is a family.

2. Ordinary Catholic Life

Most Catholic life is ordinary.

It consists of:

  • Sunday Mass
  • regular Confession
  • simple prayer
  • faithfulness in daily duties

This ordinary rhythm is not a failure.
It is the normal path of holiness.

3. Growth Takes Time

The Catholic Faith unfolds slowly.

Understanding deepens over years.
Habits form gradually.
Conversion continues quietly.

The Church does not expect immediate clarity or confidence.

Time is part of God’s work.

4. Vocation and Discernment

Every Catholic has a vocation.

For most, this is lived through:

  • family life
  • work
  • service
  • perseverance in ordinary circumstances

Discernment is not urgency.
It is attentiveness over time.

5. When You Struggle or Drift

Struggle does not mean you no longer belong.

When faith feels weak, the Church encourages:

  • return to the sacraments
  • speak to a priest
  • avoid isolation

The Church remains a home even when faith feels fragile.

6. The Parish and the Wider Church

The parish is the ordinary place where Catholic life is lived.

Participation grows naturally.
It should not be forced.

The Church does not ask for everything.
She asks for fidelity.

7. What Is Being Asked of You Now

At this stage, you are asked to:

  • remain faithful to Sunday Mass
  • return regularly to the sacraments
  • pray simply
  • trust God’s work over time

You are not asked to become exceptional.
You are asked to remain.

8. Questions for Reflection

Reflect quietly during the week:

  • Do I believe ordinary Catholic life is enough?
  • Am I willing to grow slowly?
  • Do I return to the Church even when faith feels quiet?

Closing Summary

You now belong to the Church.

The Christian life is not lived through intensity,
but through perseverance.

Remain faithful.
Return often.
Trust God’s work over time.

Optional Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
You have made us members of Your Church.
Give us perseverance in ordinary faithfulness,
patience in growth,
and confidence in Your grace.
Amen.