RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

An Overview of the Process

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

Overview of the Initiation Process

Precatechumenate/InquiryRite of Acceptance or WelcomeCatechumenateRite of Sending/Rite of Election/Rite of Call to Continuing ConversionPurification and EnlightenmentInitiation SacramentsMystagogy

Periods of the Initiation process

PrecatechumenateCalled 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

Periods of Initiation Process

CatechumenateFollows 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

Periods of Initiation Process

Purification and EnlightenmentAfter 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

Periods of Initiation Process

MystagogiaInformal setting againConnect life to liturgy of word and EucharistTime to explore even deeper into the treasury of faithCalled neophytes if baptized at Easter VigilCalled Catholic Christian if just received into full communionOccurs after Easter Vigil at least through Pentecost

Rites of the Initiation ProcessRite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens

For unbaptized inquirersOccurs after discernment by team, pastor and inquirer as to readiness to explore deeper into faithNow called catechumens

Rite of WelcomingFor baptized inquirersOccurs after discernment by team, pastor and inquirer as to readiness to explore deeper into faithNow called candidates

Rites of the Initiation Process

Rite of Sending/Enrolling of NamesUsed to send catechumens from parish to bishopCatechumens only sign the book of the elect as a pledge of their commitment to receive the Easter sacraments

Rite of ElectionOccurs at the CathedralAffirm their commitment to receive sacraments at Easter VigilNow called The Elect

Both usually occur on the first Sunday of Lent

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

Rites of Initiation Process

Initiation Sacraments – for the unbaptized

BaptismConfirmationEucharistTakes place at the Easter Vigil

Reception into Full Communion- for the baptized

Make a profession of faithConfirmationEucharistMay occur at times other than Easter Vigil

More information

Websites:North American Forum on the Catechumenate www.naforum.org

US Catholic Conference of Bishops

BooksRite of Christian Initiation of Adults rite book from Liturgy Training Publications

Foundations in Faith from RCL publishing