RCIA – Additional Session C

The Liturgical Year — Living Time with the Church

RCIA – Additional Session C
This session forms part of a structured introduction to the Catholic Faith used in parish RCIA. It is intended to be read slowly and prayerfully, alongside participation in the life of the Church. This material is offered for formation and reflection. Reception into the Catholic Church always involves personal discernment and parish accompaniment.

Aim of this session

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

  • time itself is sanctified
  • the Church lives the life of Christ yearly
  • repetition forms faith
  • Sunday is central
  • the liturgical year teaches without words

This session answers:

Why does the Church live the year the way she does?

1. Time Belongs to God

The Church does not live by:

  • private rhythm
  • personal preference

She lives by:

sacred time.

The liturgical year is not decoration.
It is formation.

2. Sunday

Sunday is:

  • the day of Resurrection
  • the foundation of Catholic life

Missing Sunday Mass is not trivial.
It is withdrawal from the heart of worship.

3. The Seasons

  • Advent — waiting and hope
  • Christmas — God with us
  • Lent — repentance and discipline
  • Easter — victory and joy
  • Ordinary Time — faithful living

Nothing is random.
Each season forms the soul.

4. Why Repetition Matters

Repetition:

  • forms memory
  • deepens understanding
  • shapes instinct

The Church repeats because:

  • we forget
  • truth must be lived, not memorised

5. Closing Reflection

If the Church orders time toward salvation, how do I order my own time?