Rite of Christian Initiation of 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 initiation 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] The 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 Period of the Catechumenate. The Inquirers who are not already baptised are welcomed to this next stage via the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. As they enter this Rite they are known as Candidates. As they leave this Rite they are now referred to as Catechumens.
The outline of this Rite is as follows:
Receiving the Candidates
- Greeting
- 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
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] The Rite of Welcoming for Candidates
The Inquirers who have already been validly baptised in another Christian Faith are welcomed to this next stage via the Rite of Welcoming for Candidates. They enter this Rite known as Candidates, and they are known by this title from now on.
The outline of this Rite is as follows:
Receiving the Candidates
- Greeting
- Opening Dialogue
- Candidates' Declaration Of Intent
- Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly
- Signing of the Candidates with the Cross
- Concluding Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
- Instruction
- Readings
- Homily
- Presentation of a Bible
- Profession of Faith
- General Intercessions
- Prayer over the Candidates
Liturgy of the Eucharist
These Rites delineates the transition between the Period of Inquiry into the Period of the Catechumenate. The Rites takes place when the members of the local Church are gathered together to celebrate Holy Mass.
[edit] Period of the Catechumenate
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 baptised 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 unbaptised [Cathechumens]:
- Celebrations of the Word of God
- Minor Exorcisms
- Blessings of the Catechumens
- Anointing of the Catechumens
An optional Rite also pertains to this period for those who are baptised [Candidates]:
- Rite of Sending the Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop and for the Call to Continuing Conversion
The conclusion of this Period leads onto the Rite of Election or Enrolment of Names for those who are unbaptised and the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion for those who are baptised. 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 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 - 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.
[edit] The Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names
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] Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion
[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 the Catechumens undertake a number of Rites, 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
- Gospel (Presentation of the Lord's Prayer)
- Homily
- 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
At the Easter Vigil the celebration of three sacraments takes place. The sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist (Holy Communion), and Confirmation. The Catachumens celebrate all of these while the Candidates (having already been Baptised) only celebrate the Eucharist and Confirmation. The Catechumens now called Neophytes, and are considered to be full members of the Catholic Church.
The outline of this Rite is as follows:
Liturgy of the Word
Celebration of Baptism
- Invitation to Prayer
- Prayer over the Water
- Anointing with Chrism
- [Community's Profession of Faith]
- Children's Profession of Faith:
- Renunciation of Sin
- [Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens]
- Profession of Faith
- Baptism
- Explanatory Rites:
- [Anointing after Baptism]
- [Clothing with a Baptimal Garment]
- Presentation of a Lighted Candle
Celebration of Confirmation
- Invitation
- Laying on of Hands
- Anointing with Chrism
[edit] Period of Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
Mystagogy is a fifty day period which lasts from Easter Sunday until Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost Sunday marks the end of the Easter season. The conclusion of the Mystagogy period marks the end of the formal process of Christian formation.
Mystagogy 234...is a time for the Community and the Neophytes {and those who have been received into full Communion with the Catholic Church} together to grow in deepening their grasp of the paschal mystery and in making it part of their lives through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the Eucharist, and doing the works of Charity.
From the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This period should be used to introduce the Neophytes and those who have been received into full Communion with the Catholic Church to the groups and organisations established in the Parish.
This period often comes to a close with the celebration of Holy Mass for new Catholics held at the local Diocesan Cathedral.
[edit] External links
- Traveling the Path to Catholicism by Fr. William P. Saunders, Arlington Catholic Herald, 06/04/06
- The Roman Catholic RCIA Resource Site
- Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy
