PA940EE Implementing the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults
The current Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was promulgated January 6, 1972 and the use of the Rite was made mandatory in all U.S. Dioceses in September of 1988. The RCIA is a process through which non-baptized and baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes four distinct stages of formation:
- Evangelization or Pre-catechumenate
- Catechumenate
- Period of Purification and Enlightenment
- Mystagogy
In 2001, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published the results of a three-year study on the implementation of the Rite, Journey to the Fullness of Life. The results of this comprehensive study make it clear that the RCIA is essential for the rich and healthy life of the Church in the United States. It is also clear from the study that the implementation of the Rite can be improved in many ways and that the Rite must continue to be a major priority in the local parishes.
Course Syllabus
Course Objectives:
- This course will help deacons explore the RCIA, using the four stages of the RCIA as the guide for the course.
- By looking at the various stages of formation this course will invite participants to reflect on ways his parish implements the RCIA.
- While previous experience working with the RCIA is a benefit in the course, deacons new to the process and also those wanting to know more about the RCIA should find value in taking this course and be able to help implement or improve the RCIA process in his parish ministry assignment.
Required Texts
RCIA Study Edition
USCCB Publishing item 7949
ISBN: 978-0-930467-94-4
Pages: 375
Binding Information: Paperback
Pages: 375
Price: $25
Journey to the Fullness of Life
USCCB Product Code: 5-392
ISBN: 978-1-57455-392-5
Pages: 64
Binding Information: Saddle stitched Paperback
Pages: 64
Price: $6.95
Doors to the Sacred by Joseph Martos publsihed by Image Books.
Paperback: 488 pages
Publisher: Liguori; Rev Upd edition (April 18, 2001)
ISBN-10: 0764807188
ISBN-13: 978-0764807183
Price: $16.97
Come and See: Leader Edition: A Lectionary-based Christian Initiation Resource Using Catholic Updates
Franciscan Media
Karen Albertus
ISBN 978-1-61636-601-8
Franciscan Media Item: B36601
Price: $34.99
Recommended Texts
RCIA Ritual Edition
ISBN 978-0-8146-1592-8
Binding Information: Hardcover
Pages: 400
Price: $39.95
Module |
Topics |
Reading |
Assignment |
Forum |
1 |
Course Introduction
A brief history of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. |
Read the Introduction and pp. 1-6 of the RCIA Study GuideRead Doors to the Sacred book pp. 1-160 |
Develop a list of questions and objectives on what you want to get out of this course |
None: Conference Call this week |
2 |
The Sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist |
Read Doors to the Sacred pp. 161-306 |
Outline each Chapter on the Sacraments of Initiation |
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3 |
What is a Catechumen?
What is a Candidate for Full Communion? Who are the Elect? |
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Assignment: Quiz on Module #1 and #2
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4 |
The First stage: The Pre-catechumenate
First session: setting up the RCIA room and The Christ Candle Introducing the RCIA to the inquirers and their companions |
Read the Introductory “tab” from Come and See on the Pre-catechumenate
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5 |
Clergy and Parish support
Portraying an Adult Education Model/Evangelization Example Presentation: “What is the RCIA?” Setting up a team of Catechists, Godparents, Sponsors, Companions and Hospitality |
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Assignment: Develop a Day of Reflection/Workshop for your RCIA Team
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6 |
Possible resources/programs to help you get started:
Lecture/class based structure programs Lectionary based structure programs Educational classes and Dismissals – how they can work together |
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Assignment: Develop you own Power Point Presentation on “What is the RCIA”
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7 |
Recruiting Inquirers: getting information
Possible inquirer issues with the Sacrament of Matrimony Individual interviews and weekly Conferences The Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming |
Read Doors to the Sacred pp.397-452 |
Write a brief explanation of the Annulment procedure that you would give to an inquirer with Marriage issues. |
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8 |
The Second stage: The Catechumenate
Setting up a schedule of quality conferences Curriculum Sunday dismissals and the importance of attending Mass Example presentations: Who is Jesus?”; “What is Sin?”; What is the Church?”; The Person and Social Teachings of the Church |
The Introductory “tab” from Come and See on The Catechumenate |
Develop a calendar for your curriculum and dismissal sessions |
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9 |
The third stage: The Period of Purification and Enlightenment
How should parishes celebrate the period of Election through the Easter Vigil? Rite of Sending/Rite of Election and role of the Bishop The Scrutinies The Presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer |
: the Introductory “tab” from Come and See on The Purification and Enlightenment |
Put together a “ceremonial” for the various rituals that take place in the Period of Purification and Enlightenment |
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10 |
The fourth stage: Mystagogy.
What is it and why is it important? Ongoing opportunities for adult education and evangelization Getting involved in the parish |
the Introductory “tab” from Come and See on Mystagogy and Discipleship |
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11 |
Study of implementation of the Rite in U.S. dioceses, Journey to the Fullness of Life.
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Quiz on Journey to the Fullness of Life |
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12 |
What more can we be doing?
Getting the “neophytes” involved in ministry and continuing their faith formation |
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: Develop a plan to get the “neophytes” involved in your parish |
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