RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

1. RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults An Overview of the Process

2. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults • The process by which we accept new members into the faith • May be baptized in another faith • May be completely uncatechized

3. Overview of the Initiation Process • Precatechumenate/Inquiry • Rite of Acceptance or Welcome • Catechumenate • Rite of Sending/Rite of Election/Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion • Purification and Enlightenment • Initiation Sacraments • Mystagogy

4. Periods of the Initiation process • Precatechumenate • Called inquirers • Opportunity to explore the basic doctrines of the faith • Informal setting – no set schedule of topics • Sharing of personal stories – what brought them here • Directed by the needs of the inquirers • Duration as long as needed

5. Periods of Initiation Process • Catechumenate • Follows Rite of Acceptance/Welcome • More formal period of instruction • Based on lectionary -dismissed from liturgy after homily • Explore the connection between word and treasury of faith • Deeper look into Catholic teachings • Baptized called candidates • Unbaptized called catechumens

6. Periods of Initiation Process • Purification and Enlightenment • After Rite of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion • More retreat like setting • Focus on spiritual growth • Explore thirsts, blindness, and deaths in life • Baptized called candidates • Unbaptized called The Elect

7. Periods of Initiation Process • Mystagogia • Informal setting again • Connect life to liturgy of word and Eucharist • Time to explore even deeper into the treasury of faith • Called neophytes if baptized at Easter Vigil • Called Catholic Christian if just received into full communion • Occurs after Easter Vigil at least through Pentecost

8. Rites of the Initiation Process • Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens • For unbaptized inquirers • Occurs after discernment by team, pastor and inquirer as to readiness to explore deeper into faith • Now called catechumens • Rite of Welcoming • For baptized inquirers • Occurs after discernment by team, pastor and inquirer as to readiness to explore deeper into faith • Now called candidates

9. Rites of the Initiation Process • Rite of Sending/Enrolling of Names • Used to send catechumens from parish to bishop • Catechumens only sign the book of the elect as a pledge of their commitment to receive the Easter sacraments • Rite of Election • Occurs at the Cathedral • Affirm their commitment to receive sacraments at Easter Vigil • Now called The Elect • Both usually occur on the first Sunday of Lent

10. Rites of Initiation Process • Rite of Calling the Candidate to Continuing Conversion • For those already baptized seeking full communion with the church • May occur in conjunction with the Rite of Election at the Cathedral • Occurs usually the first Sunday of Lent • Affirms their commitment to enter into full communion with the church

11. Rites of Initiation Process • Initiation Sacraments – for the unbaptized • Baptism • Confirmation • Eucharist • Takes place at the Easter Vigil • Reception into Full Communion- for the baptized • Make a profession of faith • Confirmation • Eucharist • May occur at times other than Easter Vigil

12. More information • Websites: • North American Forum on the Catechumenate www.naforum.org • US Catholic Conference of Bishops • Books • Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults rite book from Liturgy Training Publications • Foundations in Faith from RCL publishing