I’ve yet to undergo the RCIA. I’m aware it’ll be a while before I become a full-fledged Catholic. I’m just asking questions and offering admittedly naive thoughts with regard to Catholic doctrine.
I’m about to start going to a Catholic Church. But I know I won’t be a Catholic for a while, until I learn more.
Hence, this thread.
That's ok, just hang in there and keep learning.
Here are some quotes to take on the way:
- "Ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt." -- Ven. John Henry Cardinal Newman
- "There are not more than 100 people in the world who truly hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they perceive to be the Catholic Church." -- Abp. Fulton J. Sheen
(That brings me to another potentially good resource for you: Cardinal Newman's "Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine"... he wrote it to examine how doctrines grew over time. While writing it, his reasearch led him to realize that "to be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant," paving his way to eventually joining the Catholic Church.)
Learn the Rite of the Mass. The Missal, which has the prayers, is a very important tool. Before the Mass starts, find a) The penitential rite b) the Gloria and c) the profession of faith (the Nicene Creed)
That way, when each of those prayers starts, you can find the words to them. I think the penitential rite and the Gloria are on page 5-6-7. The Nicene Creed is on page 12 (I think), but it might be page 112.
Also, whenever the Priest says “The Lord be with you”, remember to say “and also with you.” Whenever the Holy Trinity is invoked, make the large Sign of the Cross. Before the third reading, (The Gospel reading) make the small sign of your cross over your forehead, your lips and your heart