Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article relies on references to primary sources. Please add references
to secondary or tertiary sources. (April 2014)
This article relies largely or entirely upon a single source. Relevant discussion
may be found on the talk page. Please helpimprove this article by
introducing citations to additional sources. (April 2014)
"RCIA" redirects here. For the company with this stock ticker symbol, see Rogers Communications.

The Seven Sacraments by Rogier van der Weyden, ca. 1448.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested adults
and older children are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. Children who
were not baptized as infants are also initiated through an adapted process of this rite, sometimes
incorrectly referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC).

Contents
  [hide] 

 1 Introduction
 2 Outline of the RCIA Process
o 2.1 Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate [Paragraphs 36 - 40]
o 2.2 First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens [Paragraphs 41 - 47]
o 2.3 The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates [411 - 415]
o 2.4 The Combined Rite [505 - 506]
o 2.5 Period of the Catechumenate [75 - 80]
o 2.6 Second Step: Election or Enrollment of Names [118 - 128]
o 2.7 Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion [446 - 449]
 o 2.8 The Combined Rite [547 - 549]
o 2.9 Period of Purification and Enlightenment [138 - 149]
o 2.10 The Easter Vigil
o 2.11 Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation [206 - 217]
o 2.12 The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic
Church [473 - 486]
o 2.13 The Combined Rite [562 - 565]
 3 References
 4 External links

Introduction[edit]
The ideal is for there to be an RCIA process available in every Roman Catholic parish. Those who
want to join an RCIA group should aim to attend one in the parish where they live.
For those who join an RCIA process it is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and
formation. There is no set timetable and those who join the process are encouraged to go at their
own pace and take as much time as they need. However, on average the process takes between
eight to twelve months, but it can take up to two years or more. Those who enter the process are
expected to begin attending Holy Mass on a Sunday, attend a weekly RCIA session, and to become
increasingly more involved in the activities of their local parish.
The RCIA process should be overseen throughout every period and step by the local
parish pastor, clergy, and / or religious. However, the week-to-week running of the process, including
the teaching element of it, is increasingly being undertaken by lay Catholic Catechists.

Outline of the RCIA Process[edit]

This outline is based upon the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) approved for use in the
dioceses of the USA which includes additional rites for various circumstances and combinations.
[1]
 The numbers shown in the article headings and elsewhere relate to the relevant sections of the
USA Bishops Conference approved Rite.
Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate [Paragraphs 36 - 40] [edit]
This is also known as the Period of Inquiry. During this period, teaching is given to people who are
interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The sessions cover basic information about the
Faith and fundamentally communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church is offering here an
invitation to initial conversion. There is no obligation involved in attending these meetings—they are
intended to help a person decide whether they want to continue learning about the Faith. Attendees
at this stage are known as Inquirers.
First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens [Paragraphs 41 - 47]
[edit]
Inquirers who wish to continue now move onto the next stage, known as the period of The Order of
Catechumens. Adults enter this Rite known as Inquirers, but leave known asCatechumens.
The Rite of Acceptance may take place throughout the year. By this time, Catechumens must have
in mind someone who would be willing to “sponsor” them. The sponsors are usually practicing
Catholics that the Catechumens know. The duties of a sponsor are to journey with them through the
process, and provide a compelling witness in matters of faith.
This is a very significant step, so much so that for Catechumens (unbaptized): ”One who dies during
the Catechumenate receives a Christian burial.”[47]
From the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This is the first rite that takes place at the beginning of a Sunday Mass in front of the parish
community.
The outline of this Rite is as follows [Paragraphs 48 - 68]:
Receiving the Candidates

 Greeting (often with the RCIA teacher knocking at the door of the church and asking the
congregation to allow the Catechumens to enter)
 Open Dialogue
 Candidates First Acceptance of the Gospel
 Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly
 Signing of the Candidates with the Cross:
- Signing of the Forehead
- [Signing of the Other Senses] - optional
- Concluding Prayer

 Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God

The mass then goes on as normal with: Liturgy of the Word

 Instruction
 Readings
 Homily
 [Presentation of a Bible] - optional
 Intercessions for the Catechumens
 Prayer over the Catechumens
At this point a new portion is added

 Dismissal of the Catechumens

From this point until their baptisms, catechumens are dismissed after the liturgy of the word when
they attend mass at the parish at which they had the rite of acception. This is to make the process
feel more like it was in the early church, when Christian converts were dismissed before communion
before their baptism, which often took years to prepare for, largely to make the communion more
secret and more meaningful[citation needed].
The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates [411 - 415][edit]
Inquirers who have already been validly baptized in another non-Catholic ecclesial community, or
baptized Catholic but not catechized as a child (have not received first Eucharist), are welcomed to
this next stage via the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. They enter this Rite known as
Candidates, and they are known by this title from now on. Their rite of acceptance often does not
take place at the same time as the Catechumen’s rite of acceptance. The candidates’ rite generally
takes place during Lent.
The outline of this Rite is as follows [416 - 433]:
Receiving the Candidates

 Salutation
 Opening Dialogue
 Candidates' Declaration Of Intent
 Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly
 Signing of the Candidates with the Cross:
- Signing of the Forehead
- [Signing of the Other Senses] - optional
- Concluding Prayer
The Mass then continues as normal: Liturgy of the Word

 Instruction
 Readings
 Homily
 [Presentation of a Bible] - optional
 Profession of Faith
 General Intercessions
(At this point there is a special prayer over the candidates)

 [Dismissal of the Assembly] - if the Eucharist is not to be celebrated

Liturgy of the Eucharist
Unlike Catechumens, candidates are never dismissed during the Mass.
The Combined Rite [505 - 506][edit]
Where there are both unbaptized and baptized Inquirers in a Parish there is the option of a
combined Rite at this stage. This Rite is formally known as The (Combined) Celebration of the
Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming Baptized but
Previously Uncatechized Adults Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or
Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.
The outline of this Rite is as follows [507 - 529]:
Receiving the Candidates

 Greeting
 Opening Dialogue with Candidates for the Catechumenate and with the Candidates for Post-
baptismal Catechesis
 Catechumens' First Acceptance of the Gospel
 Candidates' Declaration of Intent
 Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly
 Signing of the Catechumens and of the Candidates with the Cross:
- Signing of the Forehead of the Catechumens
- [Signing of the Other Senses of the Catechumens] - optional
- Signing of the Forehead of the Candidates
- [Signing of the Other Senses of the Candidates] - optional
- Concluding Prayer

 Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God

Liturgy of the Word

 Instruction
 Readings
 Homily
 [Presentation of a Bible] - optional
 Intercessions
 Prayer over the Catechumens and Candidates
 Dismissal of the Catechumens
Liturgy of the Eucharist
These Rites delineate the transition between the Period of Inquiry into the Period of the
Catechumenate. The Rites take place when the members of the local Church are gathered together
to celebrate Holy Mass.
Period of the Catechumenate [75 - 80][edit]
A Catechumen (from Latin catechumenus, Greek κατηχουμενος , instructed) is one receiving
instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. It is for this reason that
those who are already validly baptized in another Christian Faith are not known as Catechumens,
but rather Candidates.
[75]
 The Catechumenate is an extended period during which the candidates are given suitable
pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life.
This is achieved in four ways {paraphrased}:

 Suitable catechesis; solidly supported by celebrations of the Word.

 The Catechumens learning to:
- Turn more readily to God in prayer
- To bear witness to the Faith
- In all things to keep their hopes set on Christ
- To follow supernatural inspiration in their deeds
- To practice the love of neighbour, even at the cost of self-renunciation

 Suitable liturgical rites, which purify the Catechumens little by little and strengthen them with
God’s blessing; including celebrations of the Word.
 Learning to work actively with others to spread the Gospel.
From the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The period of the Catechumenate is a time for:

 Continuing to build community within the group

 Getting more involved in parish activities, getting to know the parish community
 Learning about the basic teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church
 Exploring important and foundational Scripture passages
More importantly, it is a time for:

 Continuing to examine God's presence in our lives, past and present

 Developing prayer life, entering into the communal worship of the parish
 Fostering conversion
 Developing or improving our relationship with God
Various Rites pertain to this period of instruction for those who are unbaptized (Catechumens):

 Celebrations of the Word of God [81 - 89]

 Minor Exorcisms [90 - 94]
 Blessings of the Catechumens [95 - 97]
 Anointing of the Catechumens [98 - 103]
 Presentations {Optional} [104 - 105]
 Sending of the Catechumens for Election (a meeting with the Bishop of Catechumens from
many Parishes throughout a Diocese) {Optional} [106 - 117]
An optional Rite also pertains to this period for those who are baptized (Candidates):

 Rite of Sending the Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop and for the Call to Continuing
Conversion [434 - 445]
There is also a combined optional Rite if there are both Catechumens and Candidates in a Parish:

 Parish Celebration for Sending Catechumens for Election and Candidates for Recognition by
the Bishop [530 – 546]
The conclusion of this Period leads onto the Rite of Election or Enrolment of Names for those who
are unbaptized and the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion for those who
are baptized. This is a very significant and important step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
It is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of lent at the local diocesan cathedral, led by the
local bishop. All of the Catechumens and Candidates, their Godparents (for Catechumens) and
Sponsors (for Catechumens and Candidates) gather together on this day. It often involves hundreds
of people coming together for this occasion. The Church formally ratifies the Catechumens'
readiness for theSacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates' readiness to be received into full
Communion with the Catholic Church. In turn the Catechumens - from now on known as the Elect -
publicly acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates' their
desire to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.
Second Step: Election or Enrollment of Names [118 - 128] [edit]
The outline of this Rite is as follows [129 - 137]:
Liturgy of the Word

 Homily
 Presentation of the Catechumens
 Affirmation by the Godparents [and the Assembly]
 Invitation and Enrollment of Names
 Act of Admission or Election
 Intercessions for the Elect
 Prayer over the Elect
 Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist
This rite does not have to be a full mass. In this case, there is no liturgy of the eucharist, and thus no
dismissal of the elect.
Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion [446 - 449] [edit]
The outline of this rite is as follows [450 - 458]:
Liturgy of the Word

 Homily
 Presentation of the Candidates for Confirmation and Eucharist
 Affirmation by the Sponsors [and the Assembly]
 Act of Recognition
 General Intercessions
 Prayer over the Candidates
 [Dismissal of the Assembly] – if the Eucharist is not to be celebrated
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Combined Rite [547 - 549][edit]
Where there are both Catechumens (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized) in a Diocese there is
the option of a combined Rite at this stage. This Rite is formally known as The (Combined)
Celebration of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of
Candidates Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full
Communion of the Catholic Church.
The outline of this Rite is as follows [550 - 561]:
Celebration of Election

 Presentation of the Catechumens

 Affirmation by the Godparents [and the Assembly]
 Invitation and Enrollment of Names
 Act of Admission or Election
Celebration of the Call to Continuing Conversion

 Presentation of the Candidates

 Affirmation by the Sponsors [and the Assembly]
 Act of Recognition

 Intercessions for the Elect and the Candidates

 Prayer over the Elect and the Candidates
 Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Period of Purification and Enlightenment [138 - 149][edit]
This period tends to correspond with Lent and is intended to be a period of increased introspection
and coming closer to God. The aim of this period is to eliminate what is weak and sinful, and affirm
what is holy. During this period the Elect undertake a number of Rites, including the Scrutinies and
Presentations:
The outlines of these Rites are as follows:
First Scrutiny (3rd Sunday of Lent) [150 - 156]:
Liturgy of the Word

 Readings
 Homily
 Invitation to Private Prayer
 Intercessions for the Elect
 Exorcism
 Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Presentation of the Creed (3rd Week of Lent) [157 - 163]:

Liturgy of the Word

 Readings
 Homily
 Presentation of the Creed
 Prayer over the Elect
 Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Second Scrutiny (4th Sunday of Lent) [164 - 170]:
Liturgy of the Word

 Readings
 Homily
 Invitation to Private Prayer
 Intercessions for the Elect
 Exorcism
 Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Third Scrutiny (5th Sunday of Lent) [171 - 177]:
Liturgy of the Word

 Readings
 Homily
 Invitation to Private Prayer
 Intercessions for the Elect
 Exorcism
 Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Presentation of the Lord's Prayer (ideally the 5th Week of Lent) [178 - 184]:
Liturgy of the Word

 Readings
 Homily
 Gospel (Presentation of the Lord's Prayer)
 Homily
 Prayer over the Elect
 Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation Rites on Holy Saturday [185 - 192]:
- Recitation of the Creed [193 - 196]
- Ephphetha [197 - 199]
- Choosing a Baptismal Name [200 - 202]
- Concluding Rites [203 - 205]
The Candidates meanwhile prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with an optional Penitential
Rite Scrutiny [459 – 472]. This takes place on the 2nd Sunday of Lent.
The Easter Vigil[edit]
At the Easter Vigil the celebration of the sacraments of initiation takes place. The Sacraments
of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion; if one is a candidate, confessionwill already have
been made prior to the vigil. The Elect celebrate all of these while the Candidates (having already
been baptized) only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist. The Elect are now called Neophytes,
and they are considered to be full members of the Christian faithful.
The Rites used to confer these Sacraments are outlined below. These Rites can also be celebrated
outside of the Easter Vigil, however, this should be exceptional for the unbaptized. The
circumstances for the baptized candidates are more flexible. At some college campuses that have
spring breaks during Holy Week, initiation for both the baptized and the unbaptized is often done
during the weeks after Easter, so more of the community can be present.
Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation [206 - 217] [edit]
The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation is the Rite undertaken by the Elect (unbaptized).
The outline of this Rite is as follows [218 - 243]:
Liturgy of the Word
Celebration of Baptism

 Presentation of the Elect

 Invitation to Prayer
 Litany of the Saints
 Blessing of the Baptismal Waters
 Profession of Faith:
- Renunciation of Sin
- Profession of the Catholic Faith by the Catechumens and Candidates

 Baptism
 Explanatory Rites:
- [Anointing after Baptism] - if Confirmation is separated from the Catechumen's Baptism
- [Clothing with a Baptismal Garment] - optional
- Presentation of a Lighted Candle
Celebration of Confirmation

 Invitation
 Laying on of Hands
 Anointing with Chrism
The confirmation can take place at the same time as the baptism, by anointing with the oil
immediately after the pouring of the water.
[Renewal of Baptismal Promises (at the Easter Vigil)] for the congregation

 Invitation
 Renewal of Baptismal Promises:
- Renunciation of Sin
- Profession of Faith

 Sprinkling with Baptismal Water

Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the
Catholic Church [473 - 486][edit]
The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic
Church is the Rite undertaken by the Candidates (baptized).
The outline of this Rite (within Holy Mass) is as follows [487 - 498]:
Liturgy of the Word

 Readings
 Homily
Celebration of Reception

 Invitation
 Profession of Faith
 Act of Reception
 [Confirmation]: - omitted if the Candidate has already been Confirmed
- Laying on of Hands
- Anointing with Chrism

 Celebrant’s Sign of Welcome

 General Intercessions
 Sign of Peace
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Combined Rite [562 - 565][edit]
Where there are both Elect (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized) in a Parish there is the option of
a combined Rite at this stage. This Rite is formally known as The (Combined) Celebration at the
Easter Vigil of the Sacraments of Initiation and of the Rite of Reception into the Full
Communion of the Catholic Church.
The outline of this rite is as follows [566 - 594]:
Service of Light
Liturgy of the Word
Celebration of Baptism

 Presentation of the Elect

 Invitation to Prayer
 Litany of the Saints
 Prayer over the Water
 Profession of Faith:
- Renunciation of Sin
- Profession of Faith

 Baptism
 Explanatory Rites
- [Anointing after Baptism] - if Confirmation is separated from the Catechumen’s Baptism
- [Clothing with a Baptismal Garment]- optional
- Presentation of a Lighted Candle
Renewal of Baptismal Promises

 Invitation
 Renewal of Baptismal Promises:
- Renunciation of Sin
- Profession of Faith

 Sprinkling with Baptismal Water

Celebration of Reception

 Invitation
 Profession by the Candidates
 Act of reception
Celebration of Confirmation

 Invitation
 Laying on of Hands
 Anointing with Chrism
Liturgy of the Eucharist

References[edit]
1. Jump up^ Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Study Edition, Chicago, 1988. ISBN 0-
9304-94-9.