RCIA - 2017 The Church in Changing Times I-2
Saint(s) of the week Saint Peter & Paul Two different Backgrounds Two different visions of the Church Yet two pillars of the same shared Faith
Peter B: circa 1AD D: 64/67 AD First among the Apostles First Bishop of Rome Paul Contemporary of Jesus Follower from the beginning of Jesus' ministry ministry. Fisherman by Trade. Saw Church through the lens of Judaism. Tried to settle disputes with Paul Over application of Jewish Law at Council of Jerusalem. Martyred just outside Rome by Crucifixion (upside down). FEAST DAY-29 June B: circa 1AD D: 64/67 AD Apostle to Gentiles (non-jews) Though contemporary of Jesus, did not encounter Jesus during Jesus' lifetime. Jew from Greek city of Tarsus, but Citizen of Rome Merchant, Tent Manufacturer Early persecutor of Christians. Converted by dramatic encounter with (vision of) Risen Jesus. Saw Church as universal, transcending Judaism. Rejected application of Jewish Law (Circumcision, Kosher etc.) Martyred just outside Rome by beheading. FEAST DAY: 29 June
When I think of the Catholic Church, what comes to mind?
A Building? A set of Rules? The Pope? Sermons Preachers? Missionaries? Comfort? Stress? Guilt??
What am I expecting from the Catholic Church?
Answers? Guidelines for how to live? What is the meaning of Life? Why am I here? List of Do's and Don'ts? List of Sins? Comfort? In time of Sorrow? In time of need?
What am I expecting from the RCIA Program? Why am I here tonight?
1st Focus Word for the Night: Paradigm A set way of perceiving, understanding, and interpreting the world around us. Each individual's paradigm of the world and of the Church is influenced by his/her unique background and experiences.
If you see these images first...
What do you see???
What if you see this image first???
What do you see???
Paradox of Paradigm On the one hand Our unique perspectives & experience allows each of us to bring unique perceptions to the discourse: On Church issues, as well as, In the the RCIA Class On the other hand We are often locked into our own paradigm Unable to perceive the value of others' perspectives
Pope Francis' vision of the Church is different from Pope Benedict's. Pope Benedict's vision was different from Saint John Paul II's
Saint John Paul II: Matured during the Cold War, under totalitarian communism Viewed the Church as a moral & social force to overcome oppression Pope Benedict: An academic, viewed the Church from the perspective of unified theological structure Pope Francis: The first Post-Vatican II educated Pope Views the Church as an medicine for those needing spiritual healing
Paradigms of the Church Institution (Organization) Herald (Missionaries) Servant (Consoler) Communion of Saints (Community) Sacrament
Different Paradigms of the Church Each valid Each incomplete An Institution (Organization) A Herald to the World (on a mission to convert) A Community called to Service of others The Communion of Saints (A theological view of the Community of Believers) A Sacrament (a means & opportunity to experience the presence of God)
Institutional Paradigm
Herald (Missionary) Paradigm
Servant Paradigm
Communion of Saints Paradigm
Sacrament Paradigm
For purposes of the RCIA journey: Think of Church as Sacrament
2nd Focus Word for the night: Sacrament Experiencing the presence (goodness) of God in our lives
Institutional Paradigm Focus: Stability, Uniformity and Continuity Sacramental Paradigm Focus: Experiencing God Hierarchy & Position Discerning the Voice of the Holy Spirit Tangible Structure Spiritual Growth Grace Emphasis: Obedience Rules & Policies Emphasis: Introspection, Conversion, Rituals & Symbols
What it means to be a Christian One who Enjoys the Presence of the Triune God Follower of Jesus Christ. A person who believes that Christ died, and resurrected to cleanse us of our sins. Somebody who has been baptized. Somebody who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. A person who follows the moral code of Christ. One who experiences Salvation & Forgiveness Not all Christians are Catholic, but all Catholics are Christian.
What distinguishes a Catholic Central Belief: Central Action: Jesus the Christ Died and Rose again as an act of forgiveness. God Forgives our sins. Participation in community worship. The Eucharist / Mass The Sacraments Central Way of Life: Continual Conversion. Introspection of our actions and inactions with goal of change toward higher morality.
Understanding the Mass through the lens of Sacramental Principle Think of the Mass as experiencing the presence of God in different ways: In each other Where two or more are gathered in my name, there, am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20) In the Word And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us. (John 1:14) In the Eucharist This is my Body (1 Corinthians 11:23-24) st
At the Beginning of the Mass the focus is on God s presence in the congregation We ask for each other s forgiveness We praise Gos as a Community Focus quickly shifts to God s presence in the Word (the Readings) Focus then shifts to God s presence in the Eucharist This is my body this is my blood At end of Mass focus again shifts back to the congregation. We have received the Eucharist and are now renewed as the Body of Christ, to go forth and bring the experience of God to our families, etc.
Preview Next Class Knowing God Faith & Reconciliation Reading Assignment Book of Genesis Chapters 17, 21 & 22