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. Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The Roman Catholic Church... Faith has two general implications which can be implied either exclusively or mutually; To Trust: Believing a certain variable will act a specific way despite the potential influence of known or unknown change. ...

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 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 word leitourgia is derived from the two Greek words, leos and ergon. Leos, meaning the people of God and Ergon meaning the work. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Religious conversion is the adoption of new religious beliefs that differ from the converts previous beliefs; in some cultures (e. ... 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. ...

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. The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, or Vatican II, was an Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church opened under Pope John XXIII in 1962 and closed under Pope Paul VI in 1965. ... . ...

This article is based upon the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) approved for use in the diocese of the United States of America (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 USA Bishops Conference approved Rite.

Outline of the RCIA Process

Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate [36 - 40]

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 known as Inquirers.

First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens [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. In ecclesiology, a catechumen (from Latin catechumenus, Greek κατηχουμενος , instructed) is one receiving instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. ...

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

The outline of this Rite is as follows [48 - 68]:

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 For other uses, see Gospel (disambiguation). ... A Greek cross (all arms of equal length) above a saltire, a cross rotated by 45 degrees A famous Armenian khachkar at Goshavank (Notice the cross). ... Mary Magdalene in 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

In the Roman Catholic Church and in the Eastern Orthodox Church, a homily is usually given during Mass (or Divine Liturgy for Orthodox) at the end of the Liturgy of the Word. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library of Congress. ...

The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates [411 - 415]

The Inquirers who have already been validly baptized in another Christian Faith 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.

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

Liturgy of the Word

• Instruction
• Readings
• Homily
• [Presentation of a Bible] - optional
• Profession of Faith
• 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 [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 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. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) presiding at the 2005 Easter Vigil Mass in place of the dying Pope John Paul II. Mass is the term used of the celebration of the Eucharist in the Latin rites of the Roman Catholic Church. ...

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. In ecclesiology, a catechumen (from Latin catechumenus, Greek κατηχουμενος, instructed) is one receiving instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. ...

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 {Optional} [106 - 117]

An optional Rite also pertains to this period for those who are baptized (Candidates): Exorcism is the practice of evicting demons or other evil spiritual entities which are supposed to have possessed (taken control of) a person or object. ... A blessing (from to bless, Old English bleodsian or bletsian) originally meant sprinkling with blood during the pagan sacrifices, the Blóts (reference: AHD). ... To anoint is to apply perfumed oil. ...

• 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. Pope Pius XI blesses Bishop Stephen Alencastre as fifth Apostolic Vicar of the Hawaiian Islands in a Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace window. ... A cathedral is a religious building for worship, specifically of a denomination with an episcopal hierarchy, such as the Roman Catholic, Anglican and some Lutheran churches, which serves as a bishops seat, and thus as the central church of a diocese. ... This article is about a title or office in religious bodies. ... A godparent, in Christianity, is someone who sponsors a childs baptism. ... A sacrament is a Christian rite that mediates divine grace. ...

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

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 Catechumens undertake a number of Rites, including the Scrutinies and Presentations: In Western Christianity, Lent is the forty-day period (or season) lasting from Ash Wednesday to Easter[1] or Holy Saturday. ...

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]: In the Roman Catholic Church and in the Eastern Orthodox Church, a homily is usually given during Mass (or Divine Liturgy for Orthodox) at the end of the Liturgy of the Word. ... Mary Magdalene in prayer. ...

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]: A creed is a statement or confession of belief — usually religious belief — or faith. ...

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 (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]: Representation of the Sermon on the Mount The Lords Prayer in Swahili. ...

- 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, Eucharist (Holy Communion), and Confirmation. The Catechumens celebrate all of these while the Candidates (having already been baptized) only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist. The Catechumens now called Neophytes, and are considered to be full members of the Catholic Church. Baptism in early Christian art. ... For other uses, see Eucharist (disambiguation). ... Confirmation can refer to: Confirmation (sacrament) Confirmation (epistemology) This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The name Catholic Church can mean a visible organization that refers to itself as Catholic, or the invisible Christian Church, viz. ...

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, especially for Catechumens.

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

[Renewal of Baptismal Promises (at the Easter Vigil)]

• 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. The conclusion of the Mystagogy period marks the end of the formal process of Christian formation. Easter (also called Pascha) is generally accounted the most important holiday of the Christian year, observed March or April each year to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead (after his death by crucifixion; see Good Friday), which Christians believe happened at about this time of year, almost two...

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

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.

External links

• Travelling 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

See also