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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults





The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), or Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum (OICA) is a process developed by the Catholic Church for prospective converts to Catholicism who are above the age of infant baptism. Candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices.  The basic process applies to adults and older children, with younger children initiated through an adapted version sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC).
Some Catholic movements, like the Polish Light-Life and the Neocatechumenal Way originated in Spain, promote post-baptismal formation based on the RCIA.[1][2] Similarly, the Knights of Columbus provides a free correspondence course under the Catholic Information Services (CIS) program.[3]
According to William Harmless, when the Vatican promulgated the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in 1972, it showed unexpected radicalism.[4] The true goal of the document was a reversion of a thousand years of initiatory practice and attitude of the Western Church. Ralph Keifer described it as a liturgical revolution, "under the aegis of an ecumenical council, with the approval of the Roman see, and over the signature of the Roman pontiff, the primary rites of initiation... have been turned upside down and inside out, heralding a cry to begin a reform and renewal of the most radical sort.”[5] Harmless pointed out that the whole project can be easily tamed, watered down, or ignored as it introduces things radically different from many of the Church's inherited liturgical, pastoral, and catechetical habits. He notices also that the document gives only the barest outline and needs to be completed by a thorough research of the practice of the Fathers of the Church who were experts in the field of Christian initiation.[6]
The ideal is for there to be an RCIA process available in every Roman Catholic parish.  Those who want to join an RCIA group should aim to attend one in the parish where they live.
For those who join an RCIA process it is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation. There is no set timetable and those who join the process are encouraged to go at their own pace, taking as much time as they need.  
The US bishops have said that the process "should extend for at least one year for formation, instruction, and probation" for those who have had no previous experience with living a Christian life.[7] However, "nothing ... can be settled a priori. The time spent in the catechumenate should be long enough—several years if necessary—for the conversion and faith of the catechumens to become strong."[8] For those who have some experience leading a Christian life, the process should be much shorter, "according to the individual case."[9]
Those who enter the process are expected to begin attending Mass on a Sunday, participate in regular faith formation activities, and to become increasingly involved in the activities of their local parish.
Priests "have the responsibility of attending to the pastoral and personal care of the catechumens." Throughout the process, they are assisted in this by deacons and catechists.[10][11][12][13][14]
Outline of the RCIA Process
This outline is based upon the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) approved for use in the dioceses of the USA which includes additional rites for various circumstances and combinations.[15] The numbers shown in the article headings and elsewhere relate to the relevant sections of the USA Bishops Conference approved Rite.
Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate [Paragraphs 36 - 40]
"This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values."[16] The church is offering here an invitation to initial conversion. There is no obligation involved during this period. "It is a time of evangelization: faithfully and constantly the living God is proclaimed and Jesus Christ who he has sent for the salvation of all."[17] At this stage, seekers are known as Inquirers.
First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens [Paragraphs 41 - 47]
Inquirers who wish continue on to the period of the catechumenate celebrate the rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. 
The rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens may take place throughout the year. "A sponsor accompanies any candidate seeking admission as a catechumen."[18] Ideally, the sponsor is provide to the candidate by the parish.[19] The duties of a sponsor are to journey with the catechumens through the process and provide a compelling witness in matters of faith.
This is a very significant step, so much so that for catechumens (unbaptized): ”One who dies during the Catechumenate receives a Christian burial.”[47]
The outline of this Rite is as follows [Paragraphs 48 - 68]:
Receiving the Candidates
"The candidates and their sponsors, and a group of the faithful gather outside the church."[20]
Greeting
Opening 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
Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God
The mass then goes on as normal with: Liturgy of the Word
Instruction
Readings
Homily
[Presentation of a Bible] - optional
Intercessions for the Catechumens
Prayer over the Catechumens
At this point a new portion is added
Dismissal of the Catechumens
From this point until their baptisms, catechumens are dismissed after the liturgy of the word when they attend Mass. This is to make the process feel more like it was in the early church[21], when catechumens were dismissed before communion before their baptism, which might have taken years to prepare for, to make the communion more meaningful.
The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates [411 - 415]
Inquirers who have already been validly baptized in a non-Catholic ecclesial community, or baptized Catholic but not catechized as a child (have not received first Eucharist), 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. Their rite of welcoming the candidates often does not take place at the same time as the Catechumen’s rite of acceptance. 
The outline of this Rite is as follows [416 - 433]:
Receiving the Candidates
Salutation
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
The Mass then continues as normal: Liturgy of the Word
Instruction
Readings
Homily
[Presentation of a Bible] - optional
Profession of Faith
General Intercessions
(At this point there is a special prayer over the candidates)
[Dismissal of the Assembly] - if the Eucharist is not to be celebrated
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Unlike Catechumens, candidates are never dismissed during the Mass.
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 delineate the transition between the Period of Inquiry into the Period of the Catechumenate. The Rites take place when the members of the local Church are gathered together for the Eucharistic celebration.
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.
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. [75]
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[22] (not  [90 - 94]
Blessings of the Catechumens [95 - 97]
Anointing of the Catechumens [98 - 103]
Presentations {Optional} [104 - 105]
Sending of the Catechumens for Election (a meeting with the Bishop of Catechumens from many Parishes throughout a Diocese) {Optional} [106 - 117]
An optional Rite also pertains to this period for those who are baptized (Candidates):
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 Enrollment 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. which may involve hundreds hundreds of people. 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.
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 Enrollment of Names
Act of Admission or Election
Intercessions for the Elect
Prayer over the Elect
Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist
This rite does not have to be a full Mass. In this case, there is no liturgy of the Eucharist, and thus no dismissal of the elect.
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 known 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 discernment 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 Elect undertake a number of Rites, including the Scrutinies and Presentations:
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]:
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]:
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 (ideally the 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]:
- 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 the sacraments of initiation takes place, Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion; if one is a candidate, confession will already have been made prior to the vigil. The Elect celebrate all of these while the Candidates (having already been baptized) only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist. The Elect are now called Neophytes, and they are considered to be full members of the Christian faithful.
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 for the unbaptized. The circumstances for the baptized candidates are more flexible. At some college campuses that have spring breaks during Holy Week, initiation for both the baptized and the unbaptized is often done during the weeks after Easter, so more of the community can be present.
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 Elect
Invitation to Prayer
Litany of the Saints
Blessing of the Baptismal Waters
Profession of Faith:
- Renunciation of Sin
- Profession of the Catholic Faith by the Catechumens and Candidates
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
The confirmation can take place at the same time as the baptism, by anointing with the oil immediately after the pouring of the water.
Renewal of Baptismal Promises (at the Easter Vigil) for the congregation
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 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 known 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 Elect
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
See also


Associations of the faithful
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Catholic laity
Glossary of the Catholic Church
History of the Catholic Church
Index of Catholic Church articles
Lay ecclesial ministry
List of Ecclesial movements
Outline of Catholicism
Timeline of the Catholic Church




Further reading
Ralph Keifer, Christian Initiation: the State of the Question, in: Aidan Kavanagh et al., Made, Not Born: New Perspectives on Christian Initiation and the Catechumenate, Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1976.
William Harmless SJ, The RCIA: Its Catechetical Gaps and Silences, in: Idem, Augustine and the Catechumenate, Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1995, pp.1–36.
A Critical Analysis of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), Victoria Millan MEd unpublished thesis for the University of Liverpool;