RCIA Resource – Post RCIA

Living as a Catholic — What Happens Now?

POST RCIA
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:

  • reception into the Church is a beginning, not an ending
  • growth in faith is slow and ordinary
  • the sacraments sustain Catholic life over time
  • they are not expected to “do everything”
  • staying faithful matters more than staying busy

This session answers the unspoken question:

“What does normal Catholic life look like now?”

1. Reception Is Not Graduation

The Church does not receive people and then say:

  • “Now you should know everything”
  • “Now you should be highly active”

Reception is:

  • incorporation into the Church
  • the beginning of sacramental life
  • the start of lifelong formation

No one becomes a “finished Catholic”.

Faith deepens over years, not weeks.

2. The Ordinary Shape of Catholic Life

A normal Catholic life consists of four steady practices — not many activities.

1. Sunday Mass

This is the non-negotiable centre.

Not because:

attendance is monitored

But because:

  • the Eucharist sustains faith
  • the Church gathers weekly
  • worship shapes the soul

Missing Mass weakens faith slowly, even when unnoticed.

2. Regular Confession

Confession is not:

a sign of failure

It is:

a normal part of Catholic life

Encouraged:

  • going every 4–8 weeks
  • sooner if serious sin occurs

Confession keeps the heart honest and humble.

3. Simple Daily Prayer

Not:

  • complicated routines
  • long devotions

But:

  • morning offering
  • brief prayer at night
  • Sunday worship

Consistency matters more than length.

4. Growth Over Time

The Church does not expect:

  • instant holiness
  • perfect understanding

She expects:

  • perseverance
  • honesty
  • willingness to be formed

Struggle does not disqualify.
Refusal to return does.

3. What You Are Not Expected to Do

This is important to say clearly.

You are not expected to:

  • join committees
  • volunteer immediately
  • argue online
  • defend every teaching
  • become “an expert Catholic”

Faith matures quietly.

The Church needs faithful worshippers more than busy ones.

4. When Difficulties Arise (They Will)

People should expect:

  • doubts
  • dry periods
  • family tension
  • moral struggles

These do not mean:

  • reception was a mistake
  • faith has failed

They mean:

faith is becoming real

The response is always:

  • prayer
  • sacraments
  • conversation with a priest

Never silence or isolation.

5. Belonging to the Parish

Belonging does not mean:

constant activity

It means:

  • worshipping regularly
  • being known
  • being at home

Some will later be called to service.
Some will live quiet fidelity.

Both are holy.

6. Growth in Understanding

Encouraged:

  • slow reading
  • asking questions
  • continuing formation

Discouraged:

  • frantic consumption
  • polemics
  • comparison with others

Depth comes with time.

7. A Word About Failure

You will fail at times. What matters is that you return.

The Church exists because people fall and rise again.

The sacraments are remedies, not rewards.

8. Closing Reflection

What one simple practice will help me remain faithful this year?

Not ten things.
One.

9. Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
You have brought us into the life of Your Church.
Give us perseverance in faith,
humility in weakness,
and trust in Your grace day by day.
Amen.