Journaling Faith and Motivation with Journey Through Time
Faith journeys don’t always start in a church pew. Sometimes, they begin in quieter places—like the pages of a journal. Chapter I of Journey Through Time isn’t just a formal introduction to a research study. It’s a starting point for something much more personal. Dr. Laurence Aucella dives into the reasons people enter RCIA, not just as data points but as real, human moments of searching, longing, and hope.
There’s something deeply relatable in how this chapter frames the motivations behind conversion. Some people want connection. Others want meaning. Most are just looking for something more—something true.
And if you sit with those opening pages long enough, they start asking you questions back. What are you searching for? Where do you find purpose? Why are you still here, still reading, still drawn to faith? It’s the perfect space to pause, reflect, and write it out.
From Historical Background to Personal Prompt
Chapter I opens with a look at who’s entering RCIA and why. It notes that people often come with questions—about God, about life, about where they belong. Some are returning after time away. Some are brand new to the Church. But what ties them all together is a hunger for truth and a desire for relationship with Jesus. That’s not theory. That’s real life—and it’s a great prompt for your own journal. Start with: What brought me to faith? or When did I feel most connected to God?
The chapter also touches on how the early Church welcomed people. Back then, it wasn’t about checking a box. Converts came from all walks of life, especially the poor, and the Church didn’t just teach them—it embraced them. That’s another journaling gem. Ask yourself: Who welcomed me when I needed it most? or How have I helped others feel part of the faith community?
And woven through it all is the quiet, powerful theme of motivation. It’s not always big and dramatic. Sometimes it’s just the simple pull toward something deeper. Maybe you’re feeling that now. Maybe journaling through this chapter is a way to listen to that tug. Try this prompt: What motivates me to keep growing in faith—especially when no one’s watching?
The Author Who’s Been There
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella doesn’t just write about conversion—he’s seen it up close. As a Sunday School teacher, Eucharistic minister, and RCIA leader, he’s walked with people at every stage of this journey. His decision to open the study with questions about purpose and faith wasn’t academic filler. It was personal. He’s spent decades in classrooms, in churches, and in counseling offices helping people name what they’re searching for—and guiding them toward answers rooted in Christ.
So when Chapter I reflects on the motivations behind entering the Church, it’s not just data. It’s insight from someone who’s listened to real stories, sat in real circles, and watched real faith take root. That’s what makes it such a rich resource—not just for scholars, but for seekers. And if you’re journaling through this book, don’t skip that chapter. It’s where the story starts—not just for the research, but maybe for you too.
Journey Through Time: The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation
Laurence F. Aucella
Journey Through Time: The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation
The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation regards the process of RCIA, the process by which one becomes a convert to the Roman Catholic Faith. It also contains valuable history about Christianity and how it has evolved over the centuries that will aid in nourishing the faith and increased the knowledge of both new converts and […]