RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
Unbaptised Adults seeking to become Catholics
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which parishes journey with adults towards Christian Initiation. It's the Church's desire that the Sacraments of Initiation for adults (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) should not be separated but celebrated together in one ceremony. Initiation is usually celebrated in the parish at the Easter Vigil. The Rite provides the steps and stages to be followed.
Enquiries : If you are an adult interested in becoming a Catholic please contact your local priest or Sr. Annunciata, Convent of Mercy, Ballina (Tel.: 096-22700) or Fr. Michael Flynn, Knockmore (Tel.: 094-9258108) for appropriate information.
Christian adults seeking Reception into Full Communion
When there are Christians baptised in other denominations who wish to be received into Full Communion , please contact your local priest or Sr. Annunciata, Convent of Mercy, Ballina (Tel.: 096-22700) or Fr. Michael Flynn, Knockmore (Tel.: 094-9258108) for appropriate information.
Adults (Catholics) seeking Confirmation
Some Catholics baptised as children may not have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. After proper preparation in their parish, a request should be made to the bishop for the conferral of the Sacrament.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
INTRODUCTION
- The rite of Christian initiation is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God's help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.
- The rite includes not simply the celebration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, but also all the rites belonging to the catechumenate. Endorsed by the ancient practice of the Church, a catechumenate that would be suited to contemporary missionary activity in all regions was so widely requested that the Second Vatican Council decreed its restoration, revision, and adaption to local traditions.
STRUCTURE OF THE INITIATION OF ADULTS
- The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful. By joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery and by renewing their own conversion, the faithful provide an example that will help the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously.
- The rite of initiation is suited to a spiritual journey of adults that varies according to the many forms of God's grace, the free cooperation of the individuals, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place.
- This journey includes not only the periods for making inquiry and for maturing but also the steps marking the catechumens' progress, as they pass, so to speak, through another doorway or ascend to the next level.
• The first step. Reaching the point of initial conversion and wishing to become Christians, they are accepted as catechumens by the Church.
• The second step. Having progressed in faith and nearly completed the catechumenate they are accepted into a more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation.
• The third step. Having completed their spiritual preparation, they receive the sacraments of Christian Initiation.
These three steps are to be regarded as the major, more intense moments of initiation and are marked by three liturgical rites:
the first by the rite of acceptance into the order of catechumens;
the second by the rite of election or enrolment of names ;
the third by the celebration of the sacraments of Christian Initiation .
- These steps lead to periods of inquiry and growth; alternatively the periods may also be seen as preparing for the ensuing steps.
• The first period consists of inquiry on the part of the candidates and of evangelization and the pre-catechumenate on the part of the Church. It ends with the rite of acceptance into the order of catechumens.
• The second period, which begins with the rite of acceptance into the order of catechumens and may last for several years, includes catechesis and rites connected with catechesis. It comes to an end on the day of election.
• The third and much shorter period, which follows the rite of election, ordinarily coincides with Lenten preparation for the Easter celebration and sacraments of initiation. It is a time of purification and enlightenment and includes the celebration of the rites belonging to this period.
• The final period extends through the whole of Easter season and is devoted to the post-baptismal catechesis or mystagogy. It is a time for deepening the Christian experience, for spiritual growth, and for entering more fully into the life and unity of the community.
Thus there are four continuous periods : the pre-catechumenate , the period for hearing the first preaching of the Gospel; the period of the catechumenate , set aside for a thorough catechesis and for the rites belonging to this period; the period of purification and enlightenment (Lenten Preparation), designed for a more intense spiritual preparation, which is assisted by the celebration of the scrutinies and presentations; and period of post-baptismal catechesis or mystagogy , marked by the new experience of sacraments and community.
5. The whole initiation must bear a markedly paschal character, since the initiation of Christians is the first sacramental sharing in Christ's dying and rising and since, in addition, the period of purification and enlightenment ordinarily coincides with Lent and the period of post-baptismal catechesis or mystagogy with the Easter season. All the resources of Lent should be brought to bear as a more intense preparation of the elect and the Easter Vigil should be regarded as the proper time for the sacraments of initiation. Because of pastoral needs, however, the sacraments of initiation may be celebrated at other times. |
