RCIA Resources
For Catechetical Leaders & Parish Staffs
The catechumenate is not a mere expounding of doctrines and precepts, but a training period in the whole Christian life, and an apprenticeship duty drawn out, during which disciples are joined to Christ their Teacher. -Ad Gentes, Vatican II
Content
The Catechumenal Process (English) (Spanish)
Outline for Christian Initiation of Adults (English)
History of the Catechumenate (English) (Spanish)
Glossary of Terms (English) (Spanish)
Individuals in the process (English)
Office of Worship Letter on Who Belongs in RCIA (English)
Recommend Books (English) (Spanish)
FAQ's Some Answers to Common Questions NEW!!!
RCIA Team Training Day (Flyer) (Overview)
Frequently Asked Questions
Occasionally leaders and those involved with RCIA have questions about the process.
We have listed some of the most common questions and answers here.
Memorandum from Tribunal on Marriage Issues 11/10
Office of Worship Letter on Who Belongs in RCIA 12/10
Q) Should candidates for complete initiation be part of the RCIA?
A) The RCIA process is designed for those adults who have not been baptized,
and for those who after baptism received little or no catechesis.
Candidates who received catechesis and have lived their faith need not be part of
RCIA (cf RCIA App III 31), and should be received when ready. Parishes are
encouraged to offer Adult Confirmation programs and other options to prepare
and receive adults who are baptized and received some catechesis.
Q) Who is considered an adult?
A) An "adult" is someone who has reached the age of reason usually considered
around the age of 7 (cf
Canon 97 §2). Preparation for these children who have
reached the age of reason and are considered an adult should be age appropriate
and follow the RCIA Part II Section 1 (cf. RCIA para 252)
Q) Do Candidates have to participate in the Rite of Acceptance and Election?
A) The Rites of Acceptance and Rite of Election are reserved for the un-baptized
(i.e. catechumens.) Candidates may participate in the Rite of Welcoming and the
Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion. The RCIA includes combined rites for parishes
with groups of both catechumens and candidates who are in formation together
(cf RCIA Appendix I).
Q) When is the Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcoming usually celebrated?
A) These Rites whether seperate or combined customarily fall on the Feast of
Christ the King. However these Rites can be celebrated when people have
completed the period of Pre-Evangelization and Inquiry.
Q) When is the Rite of Election usually celebrated?
A) This Rite is always celebrated by the Bishop (cf. RCIA para 121) and as a rule
on the First Sunday of Lent (cf. RCIA para 125). Parishes may celebrate the Rite
of Sending immediately before the Rite of Election (cf. RCIA para 106).
Q) When is the Rite of Calling Canditates to Continuing Conversion
(a.ka. Rite of Recognition)?
A) In the Diocese of Phoenix this Rite is celebrated at the Cathedral by Bishop
Olmsted on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (2nd week of January). Parishes
may celebrate of Rite of Sending immediately before the Rite of Election (cf. RCIA
para 434).
Q) Do Candidates sign the book of the elect?
A) No. Only catechumens sign the book.
Q) When should Catechumens sign the Book of the Elect?
A) The importance of signing the Book of the Elect is referenced in para 119.
The Rite recommends signing the book during the Rite of Sending (para 113),
an optional rite beginning on Para 106. However the signing of the book can
happen sometime near the Rite of Election when the book is presented to the
Bishop (cf. note on RCIA para 132)
Q) What marriage issues impede the RCIA process?
A) Anyone who is in an irregular marriage (i.e. a Catholic married outside the
church, or any person remarried without an decree of nullity issued by the
Church) must have their situation carefully examined before entrance in the
Catechumenate. Each case is unique so seek assistance when needed.
Q) Do married Catechumens or Protestant Candidates need their
marriage convalidated?
A) Married couples who have no prior marriages, and neither party is Catholic
are not bound by Catholic form and therefore married in the eyes of the Church.
After they receive their sacraments no convalidation is necessary.
Q) How should uncatechetized Baptized Catholics who are married civilly be
incorporated into the RCIA process?
A) Individuals or couples who are Catholic but married outside of the Church, and
who have no previous marriages will need to have their Marriage convalidated prior
to receiving the sacraments. In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to
convalidate the marriage after reception of the sacraments if the couple fully
understands the expectations of Church prior to their convalidation
(i.e. they must live as brother and sister until convalidation).
Q) How should individuals or couples who have been previously married be
incorporated into the RCIA process?
A) Anyone who has a previous marriage (Catholic or non-Catholic)
without a decree of nullity issued by the Church must have their situation
carefully examined. While people in irregular marriages are impeded from
completing initiation they can certainly participate in the Period of
Pre-Catechumenate, the Rite of Acceptance and the subsequent period of the
Catechumenate, but they cannot be accepted as elect (i.e. be admitted to
the Rite of the Elect) and/or approach the sacraments until their impediment
is removed. Each case is unique so seek assistance when needed.
Q) Who has faculties to confirm at the Easter Vigil?
A) By law: pastors can (and must) confirm those adults they Baptize, or
admit into full communion with the Catholic Church (cf. Canon 883).
By
special faculties granted by the Bishop: pastors/ and all priests
present at the vigil may Confirm those who are recieved, as well as those Baptized
Catholics who were not catechized when they reconciled to the Church.
Q) Can a pastor confirm a person outside of the Easter Vigil?
A) A pastor can and must confirm any adult who he receives into the Church (who is
not already validly confirmed). Reception of a baptized (non-Catholic) adult into full
communion with the Church follows the Rite of "Reception of Baptized Christians
into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church" (RCIA para 473-498, also App III, 35),
and is normally celebrated at a Sunday liturgy.
|
