Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Chair of St Peter and Holy Spirit window, St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

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. Children who were not baptized as infants are also initiated through an adapted process of this rite, sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC).

Introduction

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, usually 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 generally invited to proceed at a pace which suits them individually. The Church prefers to call this a process and not a program.

During the Second Vatican Council there was a call for the reinstatement of the Catechumenate. The vote was ONE MILLION ET UNO Yes's, several No's, and more than an acceptable amount of nulls. In 1966 the provisional ritual was distributed, followed by the 2nd draft in 1969, and in 1972 Pope Paul VI promulgated the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.^[1]

In 1986 the United States of America (USA) Bishops approved US additions to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and National Statutes and a national plan of implementation. In September 1988, the RCIA became mandatory in the USA

Outline of the RCIA Process

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.^[2] 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 [pages 36 - 40]

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 should 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 [pages 41 - 47]

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 baptized 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.

Such rites may take place throughout the year, but most often take place during Advent and the month before it (October through December). By this time, catecumins must have in mind someone who would be willing to “sponsor” them. The sponsors are usually practicing strict Catholics that the Catechumens know. The duties of a sponsor are to go with them through the various rites, and provide individual instruction about 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 the general Sunday Mass in front of the parish community. The outline of this Rite is as follows [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 catecumins 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 litugy 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.

The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates [411 - 415]

The Inquirers who have already been validly baptized in another Christian denomination, or baptized Catholic but not confirmed as a child, 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 catecumin’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

Greeting
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 goes on 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 catecumins, candidates are never dismissed during the mass, whether or not they have already had First Eucharist.

The Combined Rite [505 - 506]

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]

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 catecumens from many parishes throughout a diocis) {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 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.

Second Step: Election or Enrollment of Names [118 - 128]

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 Enrolment 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]

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]

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 know 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]

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

At the Easter Vigil the celebration of three Sacraments takes place. The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion). The Elect celebrate all of these while the Candidates (having already been baptized) only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist. The Elect now called Neophytes, and 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]

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 Candidates
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

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]

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]

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 know 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 Candidates
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

Period of Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy [244 - 251]

Mystagogy is a fifty day period which lasts from Easter Sunday until Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost Sunday marks the end of the Easter season for that year. The conclusion of the Mystagogy period marks the end of initiation process. Now the neophytes enter into a lifelong process of Christian formation along with the rest of the faithful.

Mystagogy ²⁴⁴"...is a time for the Community and the Neophytes 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

The primary setting for the period of mystagogy is the Sunday assembly during the 50 Days of Easter (see RCIA 247).

This period often comes to a close with the celebration of Holy Mass for new Catholics held at the local Diocesan Cathedral.

References

^ Anne Marie Mongoven. The Prophetic Spirit of Catechesis: How We Share the Fire in Our Hearts. p. 68. ISBN 0809139227.
^ Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Study Edition, Chicago, 1988. ISBN 0-9304-94-9.

External links

See also Victoria Millan MEd unpublished thesis for the University of Liverpool; A Critical Analysis of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)