RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

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RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

• An Overview of the Process

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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