RCIA Q And A

Welcome!Welcome!

R.C.I.A.R.C.I.A.The The RRite of ite of

CChristian hristian IInitiation nitiation

of of AAdultsdults

Rite of Christian Rite of Christian Initiation of Initiation of

AdultsAdultsHistory and StructureHistory and Structure

Artist Eric Gill in his Artist Eric Gill in his AutobiographyAutobiography describes his describes his journey to the Catholic Church…journey to the Catholic Church…

““I would not have anyone think that I became a I would not have anyone think that I became a

Catholic because I was convinced of the truth, Catholic because I was convinced of the truth, though I was convinced of the truth. though I was convinced of the truth.

I became a Catholic because I fell in love with the I became a Catholic because I fell in love with the truth. truth.

And love is an experience. And love is an experience. I saw. I saw.

I heard. I heard. I felt. I felt.

I tasted. I tasted. I touched. I touched.

And that is what lovers do.”And that is what lovers do.”

WhatWhat is it? is it?

The R.C.I.A. is the process by which The R.C.I.A. is the process by which the Catholic Church welcomes new the Catholic Church welcomes new members into its midst, and/or completes members into its midst, and/or completes the process of Christian Initiation.the process of Christian Initiation.

It is a return to the method used by the It is a return to the method used by the early Church to initiate new members, as early Church to initiate new members, as mandated by the Second Vatican Council mandated by the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).(1962-1965).

What is it?What is it?

It is a process of Initiation into the Community It is a process of Initiation into the Community that includes thorough study that includes thorough study of Sacred Scripture and Church doctrine, of Sacred Scripture and Church doctrine, spiritual reflection, private and liturgical spiritual reflection, private and liturgical prayer, as well as community involvement.prayer, as well as community involvement.

It is a loving immersion into the Mystery of the It is a loving immersion into the Mystery of the Church in which Christ is truly active and Church in which Christ is truly active and present and facilitates the conversion of the present and facilitates the conversion of the heart to God in Christ Jesus.heart to God in Christ Jesus.

How Did We Get Here?How Did We Get Here? To many, this all may seem very new – To many, this all may seem very new –

but it is actually very ancient.but it is actually very ancient. It has its roots in Jesus’ mandate…It has its roots in Jesus’ mandate…

How Did We Get Here?How Did We Get Here?

““Go, therefore, Go, therefore, and make disciples and make disciples of all nations, of all nations, baptizing them baptizing them in the name of the in the name of the Father and of the Son Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19).(Matt 28:19).

Some Church History:Some Church History:150-250 AD150-250 AD

The catechumenate as we know it begins The catechumenate as we know it begins

to take shape. to take shape. Before this time, individuals simply Before this time, individuals simply

brought new members into the brought new members into the

community, introducing them to the community, introducing them to the

Christian way of life. Christian way of life.

Some Church History:Some Church History:150-250 AD150-250 AD

Now, however, a structure took form:Now, however, a structure took form: Partly this is due to the increasing Partly this is due to the increasing

number of Gentiles joining the church number of Gentiles joining the church Many – if not most - have little or no Many – if not most - have little or no

background in either the Hebrew background in either the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) or beliefs Scriptures (Old Testament) or beliefs of either Judaism or “The Way” of either Judaism or “The Way” (Christianity).(Christianity).

Some Church History:Some Church History:3rd-4th Century3rd-4th Century

In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine made In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine made Christianity legal.Christianity legal. Large numbers of people began to Large numbers of people began to

convert to Christianity.convert to Christianity. The numbers were overwhelming.The numbers were overwhelming. The quality of catechesis (teaching The quality of catechesis (teaching

about the Christian faith) began to about the Christian faith) began to falter.falter.

Some Church History:Some Church History:3rd-4th Century3rd-4th Century

Despite the drop in quality of teaching, Despite the drop in quality of teaching, this was the golden age for the Church. this was the golden age for the Church.

There was a highly developed structure There was a highly developed structure of learning Scripture and Christian of learning Scripture and Christian practices, which included a three-year practices, which included a three-year

process for possible converts.process for possible converts.

Some Church History:Some Church History:5th Century5th Century

Up to this time, Up to this time, baptismbaptism was mainly for was mainly for

adults entering the Church.adults entering the Church. Then an idea known as Then an idea known as original sinoriginal sin was was

accepted as a theological truth.accepted as a theological truth. This led to large numbers of This led to large numbers of

infant baptisms.infant baptisms.


Elements of preparation for baptism Elements of preparation for baptism began to appear in training for ordained began to appear in training for ordained ministry and religious life:ministry and religious life: progressive levels of commitment,progressive levels of commitment, rituals for various stages of rituals for various stages of

preparation for priesthood or preparation for priesthood or religious life,religious life,

spiritual disciplinesspiritual disciplines


In a reaction against mass numbers of In a reaction against mass numbers of

baptisms in “mission lands,” where little baptisms in “mission lands,” where little

to no preparation took place, religious to no preparation took place, religious

orders (such as the Dominicans and orders (such as the Dominicans and

Augustinians) urged a return to the Augustinians) urged a return to the

catechumenate process.catechumenate process. They were largely unsuccessful.They were largely unsuccessful.


The catechumenate was revived in The catechumenate was revived in Europe and parts of Africa.Europe and parts of Africa.

The motivation was to counter-act the The motivation was to counter-act the large numbers of those who were large numbers of those who were Catholic "in-name-only."Catholic "in-name-only."

The White Fathers (another religious The White Fathers (another religious order) in Africa were motivated by a order) in Africa were motivated by a need to build the Church from the grass need to build the Church from the grass roots.roots.

Second Vatican Council Second Vatican Council (1962 – 1965)(1962 – 1965)

A major period of restoration and A major period of restoration and

restructuring in the Catholic Churchrestructuring in the Catholic Church A call for the reinstatement of the A call for the reinstatement of the

catechumenate processcatechumenate process 2,165 bishops present voted in favor of 2,165 bishops present voted in favor of

restoration of the ancient formrestoration of the ancient form 9 were against9 were against

Some Church History:Some Church History:Post-Vatican IIPost-Vatican II

1972: Publication of the 1972: Publication of the Rite of Rite of Christian Initiation of AdultsChristian Initiation of Adults in the in the Church’s official language (Latin)Church’s official language (Latin)

1974: Provisional English translation 1974: Provisional English translation approved for use in the U.S.approved for use in the U.S.

1986: Final English translation with U.S. 1986: Final English translation with U.S. additions, approved by the U.S. bishopsadditions, approved by the U.S. bishops

1988: Final implementation1988: Final implementation

HowHow does this happen? does this happen?

It is the Baptismal Rite extended over It is the Baptismal Rite extended over the course of the each participant’s the course of the each participant’s own process of conversion. own process of conversion.

For those preparing for Baptism, it is For those preparing for Baptism, it is an extended immersion into the Paschal an extended immersion into the Paschal Mystery which allows them to thoroughly Mystery which allows them to thoroughly absorb the conversion experience. absorb the conversion experience.

For those already Baptized, this permits a For those already Baptized, this permits a reaffirmation of baptismal vows and an reaffirmation of baptismal vows and an extended opportunity for reflection on one’s extended opportunity for reflection on one’s baptismal call.baptismal call.


Conversion involves Periods in time that Conversion involves Periods in time that reflect the natural stages of a person’s reflect the natural stages of a person’s intellectual and spiritual growth.intellectual and spiritual growth.

Each period is marked by celebrations Each period is marked by celebrations indicating the end of one stage and the indicating the end of one stage and the entrance into the next stage of the faith entrance into the next stage of the faith journey.journey.

Many of these periods are tied to seasons Many of these periods are tied to seasons of the Church’s of the Church’s liturgical year,liturgical year, but can but can vary if need be.vary if need be.

Period of Inquiry:Period of Inquiry:

This is the initial inquiry into learning This is the initial inquiry into learning

about the Catholic faith. The sessions about the Catholic faith. The sessions

are characterized by informal and often are characterized by informal and often

spontaneous discussions of various spontaneous discussions of various

points of interest and concern to the points of interest and concern to the

inquirer. No obligations are required.inquirer. No obligations are required.


Period of Catechumenate:Period of Catechumenate:This begins with the This begins with the Rite of AcceptanceRite of Acceptance, , and is a period of intense study of and is a period of intense study of Sacred Scripture and the doctrines of Sacred Scripture and the doctrines of the Catholic Church. the Catholic Church. Regular attendance at sessions, and Regular attendance at sessions, and discussions during the Sunday Mass, discussions during the Sunday Mass, are needed for the Candidate to fully are needed for the Candidate to fully engage the process. engage the process.


Period of Purification & Period of Purification & Enlightenment:Enlightenment:This takes place during the season of This takes place during the season of Lent, which intensifies spiritual Lent, which intensifies spiritual reflection and personal discernment. reflection and personal discernment. It also serves as final preparation for It also serves as final preparation for reception of the Sacraments of reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.Initiation.


Period of Mystagogia:Period of Mystagogia:The year-long period immediately The year-long period immediately following the reception of the following the reception of the Sacraments, in which the newly initiated Sacraments, in which the newly initiated person continues to reflect on the person continues to reflect on the experience of initiation into the Mystery experience of initiation into the Mystery of the Church, and begins to live out his of the Church, and begins to live out his or her new Catholic Faith.or her new Catholic Faith.


Periods and RitesPeriods and Rites

Rite of AcceptanceRite of Welcome

Rite of ElectionScrutinies

Easter Sacraments of Initiation

Inquiry

Catechumenate

Purification & Enlightenment

Mystagogy

The majority of the Rite is based on the The majority of the Rite is based on the ancient teaching form called ancient teaching form called

catechesiscatechesis..

From the Greek From the Greek katachein katachein “To repeat back, to echo.” “To repeat back, to echo.”

Catechesis and the R.C.I.A.Catechesis and the R.C.I.A.

An echo reproduces what it has received. It cannot create a new sound. The original sound must come from a different source.

If the wall is smooth, at the right angle, If the wall is smooth, at the right angle, the right distance and with the correct shape, the right distance and with the correct shape, then the echo will reproduce the original then the echo will reproduce the original sound faithfully.sound faithfully.

What message are we to echo?What message are we to echo?

That God loved us.That God loved us. That God loved us so much that He sent His That God loved us so much that He sent His

Son.Son. That his Son showed us the Father’s and the That his Son showed us the Father’s and the

Spirit’s love in everything He said and did.Spirit’s love in everything He said and did.


That God loves us totally, completely and That God loves us totally, completely and

unconditionally because He died for us.unconditionally because He died for us. That Jesus, by his death and resurrection, That Jesus, by his death and resurrection,

handed over his Spirit to the Church who must handed over his Spirit to the Church who must

continue to be a sign and bearer of God’s love.continue to be a sign and bearer of God’s love. That through the Church, and as members of That through the Church, and as members of

the Church, we become sharers of God’s total the Church, we become sharers of God’s total and unconditional love.and unconditional love.


That as members of his Church, we are called to That as members of his Church, we are called to

become living witnesses of God’s total, complete become living witnesses of God’s total, complete

and unconditional love to all humanity and to the and unconditional love to all humanity and to the

whole world.whole world. That this is the call and the mission of That this is the call and the mission of everyevery

member of the Church.member of the Church. That only through the fulfillment of this call we can That only through the fulfillment of this call we can

live life fully here on earth and then enjoy eternal live life fully here on earth and then enjoy eternal

life with God in the next.life with God in the next.

Catechesis is at the heart of the R.C.I.A.Catechesis is at the heart of the R.C.I.A. It is a process of It is a process of information,information,

leading to leading to formation,formation,

aiming at aiming at personalpersonal transformationtransformation of the of the

individual.individual.


Because its aim is indeed Because its aim is indeed personal personal

transformationtransformation, we use four strategies:, we use four strategies:

Instruction,Instruction,

Lectionary-Lectionary-based learning,based learning,

Liturgy, Liturgy,

MystagogyMystagogy


Brain Hurt Yet?Brain Hurt Yet?

Let’s take a break!Let’s take a break!

When did you first become aware of When did you first become aware of

the R.C.I.A. as a parish ministry?the R.C.I.A. as a parish ministry?

What brought you here What brought you here tonight?tonight?

What do you bring with you?What do you bring with you?

What concerns do you have?What concerns do you have?

Some questions…Some questions…

A Closer Look:A Closer Look:The Initiation JourneyThe Initiation Journey

Getting Started: Getting Started: Evangelization Evangelization

No fixed duration or structureNo fixed duration or structure Time of inquiryTime of inquiry Introduction to Gospel valuesIntroduction to Gospel values First stirrings of faithFirst stirrings of faith

First StepFirst Step

Rite of Acceptance into the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of CatechumensOrder of Catechumens Catechumens express their intention Catechumens express their intention

to follow Christ to follow Christ The church accepts their commitmentThe church accepts their commitment Formal beginning of the Formal beginning of the

Catechumenate periodCatechumenate period

CatechumenateCatechumenate

No fixed duration No fixed duration The length of the catechumenate The length of the catechumenate

depends upon the progress and prior depends upon the progress and prior formation of the catechumenformation of the catechumen

CatechumenateCatechumenate

Structure Structure Regular faith-sharing Regular faith-sharing Catechesis, flowing from the Sunday Catechesis, flowing from the Sunday

assemblyassembly Celebrations of the Word, various Celebrations of the Word, various

blessings, and prayers of exorcism blessings, and prayers of exorcism (for those not baptized)(for those not baptized)

Second StepSecond Step

Rite of Election & Enrollment of NamesRite of Election & Enrollment of Names Liturgical riteLiturgical rite Celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent Celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent Godparents and catechists testify to the Godparents and catechists testify to the

catechumens’ readiness, and catechumens catechumens’ readiness, and catechumens reaffirm their intention to celebrate the reaffirm their intention to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation Sacraments of Initiation (119)(119)

The Church formally ratifies the readiness of The Church formally ratifies the readiness of the catechumens for initiation the catechumens for initiation (119)(119)

The catechumens are afterward known as The catechumens are afterward known as the "elect" the "elect" (124)(124)

Purification Purification and Enlightenmentand Enlightenment

The 40-day Lenten periodThe 40-day Lenten period This is the immediate preparation for This is the immediate preparation for

initiationinitiation Structure Structure

Celebration of the Scrutinies on the Celebration of the Scrutinies on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent (141)(141)

Also, the presentations and Also, the presentations and preparation rites of Holy Saturday preparation rites of Holy Saturday (147)(147)

Third StepThird Step

Celebration of the Sacraments of Celebration of the Sacraments of InitiationInitiation Liturgical ritesLiturgical rites InitiationInitiation

Baptism (or Profession of Faith)Baptism (or Profession of Faith) ConfirmationConfirmation Eucharist Eucharist

Takes place at the Easter VigilTakes place at the Easter Vigil

MystagogyMystagogy

The 50-day Easter season (from the Vigil The 50-day Easter season (from the Vigil

until Pentecost Sunday)until Pentecost Sunday) Extends to the first year after initiationExtends to the first year after initiation ““Elect” become “Neophytes”Elect” become “Neophytes” They participate fully in the Eucharist They participate fully in the Eucharist

and the life of the Churchand the life of the Church Catechesis flows from this experience Catechesis flows from this experience

(245)(245)

Your questions!Your questions!

RCIA Q And A

Spiritual

Transcript of RCIA Q And A