Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (often abbreviated RCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older children are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic

Roman Catholic Church

The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...

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).

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. 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]

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]

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 Inquirers. 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

Advent

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday, called Levavi...

and the month before it (October through December). By this time, Catechumens 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

Mass (liturgy)

"Mass" is one of the names by which the sacrament of the Eucharist is called in the Roman Catholic Church: others are "Eucharist", the "Lord's Supper", the "Breaking of Bread", the "Eucharistic assembly ", the "memorial of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection", the "Holy Sacrifice", the "Holy and...

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
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly
Signing of the Candidates with the Cross
Cross
A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two lines or bars perpendicular to each other, dividing one or two of the lines in half. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally; if they run obliquely, the design is technically termed a saltire, although the arms of a saltire need not meet...

:

- Signing of the Forehead

- [Signing of the Other Senses] - optional

- Concluding Prayer

Prayer

Prayer is a form of religious practice that seeks to activate a volitional rapport to a deity through deliberate practice. Prayer may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words or song. When language is used, prayer may take the form of...

Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God

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

Instruction
Readings
Homily
Homily
A homily is a commentary that follows a reading of scripture. In Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox Churches, a homily is usually given during Mass at the end of the Liturgy of the Word...
[Presentation of a Bible
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...

] - 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, catechumen

Catechumen

In ecclesiology, a catechumen , “‘down’” + ἠχή , “‘sound’”) is one receiving instruction from a catechist in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism...

s 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.

The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates [411 - 415]

The Inquirers who have already been validly baptized in another non-Catholic ecclesial community

Christian denomination

A Christian denomination is an identifiable religious body under a common name, structure, and doctrine within Christianity. In the Orthodox tradition, Churches are divided often along ethnic and linguistic lines, into separate churches and traditions. Technically, divisions between one group and...

, 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 Catechumen’s rite of acceptance. The candidates’ rite generally takes place during Lent

Lent

In the Christian tradition, Lent is the period of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer – through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial – for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and...

.

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
Signation 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 Catechumens, candidates are never dismissed during the Mass.

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

Catechumen

In ecclesiology, a catechumen , “‘down’” + ἠχή , “‘sound’”) is one receiving instruction from a catechist in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism...

(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
Blessing (Roman Catholic Church)
Blessing in Roman Catholicism, in the narrow liturgical sense, is a rite consisting of a ceremony and prayers performed in the name and with the authority of the Church by a duly qualified minister by which persons or things are sanctified as dedicated to Divine service or by which certain marks of...

of the Catechumens [95 - 97]
Anointing
Anointing
To anoint is to pour or smear with perfumed oil, milk, water, melted butter or other substances, a process employed ritually by many religions. People and things are anointed to symbolize the introduction of a sacramental or divine influence, a holy emanation, spirit, power or God...

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

Cathedral

A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...

, led by the local Bishop

Bishop

A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...

. 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 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]

This period tends to correspond with Lent

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
Homily
A homily is a commentary that follows a reading of scripture. In Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox Churches, a homily is usually given during Mass at the end of the Liturgy of the Word...
Invitation to Private Prayer
Prayer
Prayer is a form of religious practice that seeks to activate a volitional rapport to a deity through deliberate practice. Prayer may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words or song. When language is used, prayer may take the form of...
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
Creed
A creed is a statement of belief—usually a statement of faith that describes the beliefs shared by a religious community—and is often recited as part of a religious service. When the statement of faith is longer and polemical, as well as didactic, it is not called a creed but a Confession of faith...
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
Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer is a central prayer in Christianity. In the New Testament of the Christian Bible, it appears in two forms: in the Gospel of Matthew as part of the discourse on ostentation in the Sermon on the Mount, and in the Gospel of Luke, which records Jesus being approached by "one of his...

)
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

Easter Vigil

The Easter Vigil, also called the Paschal Vigil or the Great Vigil of Easter, is a service held in many Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Historically, it is during this service that people are baptized and that adult catechumens are received into...

the celebration of the sacraments of initiation takes place. The Sacraments of Baptism

Baptism

In Christianity, baptism is for the majority the rite of admission , almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also membership of a particular church tradition...

, Confirmation, and Holy Communion

Eucharist

The Eucharist , also called Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord's Supper, and other names, is a Christian sacrament or ordinance...

; if one is a candidate, confession will 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]

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]

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 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

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

Spiritual formation

Spiritual formation is the growth and development of the whole person by an intentional focus on one’s* spiritual and interior life* interactions with others in ordinary life...

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.

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)

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.