Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
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The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (often abbreviated RCIA) is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic Faith and way of life.
[edit] Overview
The RCIA is a communal process and involves a number of stages punctuated by liturgical rites to aid and assist the potential convert toward the final rite at the Easter Vigil at which time they will become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. The entire process takes several months, but participants are invited to proceed at a pace which suits them individually.
The RCIA process was introduced as a result of the Second Vatican Council, where a return to the ancient practice of Christian inititation was viewed as the proper form for the modern world. Prior to Vatican II, Christian initiation had evolved from the ancient practice to the form of individual private instruction with a priest. Although the private process has its merits, the Council wanted to reintroduce the community aspect of the initiation process, as well as liturgical and the other elements contained within the Rite.
[edit] Outline of the RCIA
[edit] Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
This is also known as the Period of Inquiry. During this period, information sessions are held for people who are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. These sessions cover basic information about the Faith. 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 know as Inquirers.
[edit] Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
The Inquirers who wish to continue now move onto the next stage, which is known as the Catechumenate (Study) Period. This Rite delineates the transition between the Period of Inquiry into the Period of the Catechumenate. The Rite takes place when the members of the local Church are gathered together to celebrate Holy Mass.
The outline of this Rite is as follows:
Receiving the Candidates / Catechumens
- Greeting
- Open Dialogue
- Candidates First Acceptance of the Gospel
- Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly
- Signing of the Candidates with the Cross
- Concluding Prayer
- Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God
Liturgy of the Word
- Instruction
- Readings
- Homily
- [Presentation of a Bible] - optional
- Intercessions for the Catechumens
- Prayer over the Catechumens
- Dismissal of the Catechumens
[edit] Period of the Catechumenate
The Inquirers are now referred to as Catechumens [for those who are unbaptised] and Candidates [for those who have already been baptised]. During this period the Candidates and Catechumens spend time studying the Bible and the fundamental dogmas of the Church.
Meetings are held more regularly. The aim is for the Candidates and Catechumens to establish a spiritual and intellectual understanding of the Catholic Faith.
Various Rites pertain to this period of instruction:
- Celebrations of the Word of God
- Minor Exorcisms
- Blessings of the Catechumens
- Anointing of the Catechumens
[edit] The Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names
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 is an awe inspiring occasion, often consisting of hundreds of people coming together to give praise and thanks to God. The Church formally ratfies the Catechumens' readiness for the Sacraments 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 - publically acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates' their desire to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.
The outline of this Rite is as follows:
Liturgy of the Word
- Homily
- Presentation of the Catechumens
- Affirmation by the Godparents [and the Assembly]
- Invitation and Enrolment of Names
- Act of Admission or Election
- Intercessions for the Elect
- Prayer over the Elect
- Dismissal of the Elect
[edit] Period of Purification and Enlightenment
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 a number of Rites take place, including the Scrutinies and Presentations:
The outlines of these Rites are as follows:
First Scrutiny (3rd Sunday of Lent)
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)
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)
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)
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 (5th Week of Lent)
Liturgy of the Word
- Readings
- Homily
- Presentation of the Creed
- Prayer over the Elect
- Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Other Miscellaneous Rites
- Recitation of the Creed
- Ephphetha
- Choosing a Baptismal Name
- Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens
- Concluding Rites
[edit] Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
On Easter Vigil, there celebration of three sacraments take place. The sacraments of baptism, Eucharist(a.k.a. Communion), and confirmation are celebrated. The catachumen celebrate these three while the cadidates(having already been baptised) will only celebrate the Eucarist and confirmation. The celbrants now called neophytes, are then considered full members of the Catholic Church.
