OCIA Liturgies

RCIA Flowchart (made to print on 11x17 paper, but can be printed on letter size)

RCIA Summary Table

Confirmation and the RCIA (updated 4/23/18) (redline)

RCIA and Orthodox Christians

RCIA Brief Bibliography for the Rites

RCIA Bibliography & Explanation (Courtesy of Eliot Kapitan)

Qualifications for a Godparent (or Sponsor)

Sacramental Records Handbook of Policies and Procedures

Marriage Issues (article by Fr. Paul Turner)

Discernment in Parish Ministry (LTP)

Source: RCIA #36-40; US National Statutes for the Catechumenate #1

What is the individual called? An Inquirer

Accompanied by: A Sponsor (once seeks admission to the catechumenate)

Explanation: Pre-catechumenate & Catechumenate (Summary)

This is the time of evangelization--of introducing inquirers to gospel values. The length of time for this period is not fixed; nor does it have a specific structure. During this time, clergy, catechists, and others from the parish meet with the inquirers to get to know them and help them in their discernment; an informal reception (#39; National Statutes #1) may take place.

When they give evidence that "the beginnings of the spiritual life and the fundamentals of Christian teaching have taken root" in them, the inquirers celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.

Click here for articles on the Dismissal from TeamInitiation (was TeamRCIA).

Rites during this Period: Typically, none. If necessary (#40), pastors may celebrate the prayers of blessing or exorcism (#94, 97) that would more usually be celebrated for catechumens.

Rite ending this Period (Step One): Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (RCIA #41-74)

• "Before this rite is celebrated... sufficient and necessary time, as required in each case, should be set aside to evaluate, and, if necessary, purify the [inquirer's] motives and dispositions" (#43).
• Once there are the first signs of faith and conversion, the rite may be scheduled (#18)
• There is NO specific day on the calendar for celebrating this rite; parishes should schedule multiple celebrations throughout the year as necessary
• The rite may be celebrated within or outside of Mass
• A priest or deacon may preside (#45)

Optional Rites that are part of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens:

• The presentation of a cross (#74) may be included as a symbol of reception into the community.
• Only with the Bishop's permission may a first exorcism and renunciation of false worship, and the giving of a new name, be celebrated (#70-73).

Source: RCIA #75-80; US National Statutes for the Catechumenate #2-10

What is the individual called? A Catechumen

Accompanied by: A Sponsor; A Godparent for the Rite of Sending and Rite of Election (the Godparent may be the same person who served as Sponsor earlier in the process)

Explanation: Pre-catechumenate & Catechumenate (Summary)

"The catechumenate is an extended period during whicj the [catechumens] are given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life" (#75).

The catechumenate should last long enough "for the conversion and faith of the catechumen to become strong" (#76). Since parish life, including the liturgical year, is the primary 'catechetical text' of the catechumenate, this period should typically last at least a year (National Statutes #6), if not several years. Readiness for the Easter sacraments is a matter of discernment, not completion of a curriculum.

Click here for articles from TeamRCIA.

Rites during this Period (optional):

• Celebrations of the Word of God (#81-89): these include celebrations held specifically for the catechumens, participation in the Liturgy of the Word at Sunday Mass (followed by dismissal), and celebrations that are part of catechetical sessions. 
• Minor Exorcisms (#90-94): presided over by a priest, deacon, or qualified catechist deputed by the bishop (#16). Usually celebrated as part of a Celebration of the Word, but can be used privately for individual catechumens (#92).  
• Blessings of the Catechumens (#95-97): presided over by a priest, deacon, or qualified catechist deputed by the bishop (#16). Usually celebrated as part of a Celebration of the Word, but can be used privately for individual catechumens or at the end of a catechetical meeting (#96).  
• Anointing of the Catechumens (#98-103): only by a priest or deacon; takes place after the homily during a Celebration of the Word, or may be done privately on individual catechumens if necessary; may be celebrated several times during the catechumenate as necessary (#100).
• Presentations / Ephphetha Rite (#104-105): optionally, these may be celebrated during this period rather than during Lent (see below).
• Sending of the Catechumens for Election (#106-117): while this typically takes place at a parish Mass prior to the Rite of Election, it can also take place during a Celebration of the Word (#89).
  • The Rite includes intercessions for the catechumens; general intercessions may be added here, prayed separately, or omitted if necessary; also
  • Note that the intercessions precede the Creed, and that the Creed may be omitted if necessary (see #114, 117)

Rite ending this Period (Step Two): Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names (RCIA #118-137)

• The presider is the Bishop or his delegate (#121); the Rite may be celebrated within or outside of Mass (#128).
• The Catechumen is accompanied by his or her Godparent (#80, 121, 123).
• Careful deliberation and discernment must take place before any catechumen is sent to the Rite of Election (#122).
• In addition, any issues that would prevent a catechumen from receiving the sacraments (such as a pending marriage case) must be resolved before they can celebrate the Rite of Election.
• The names of Catechumens are to be inscribed in a parish registry (Book of Catechumens).

Click here for articles from TeamRCIA.

Click here to go to our Rite of Election page (information and registration).

Source: RCIA #138-140; National Statutes #11-17; Roman Missal

What is the individual called? An Elect

Accompanied by: A Godparent

Explanation: Period of Purification (summary) / Triduum (summary)

"This is a period of more intense spiritual preparation, consisting more in interior reflection than in catechetical instruction..." (#139).

Click here for RCIA Bulletin Inserts for Lent.

Click here for articles from Team RCIA on Lent and the Triduum.

Click here for information from the USCCB.

Recommended Resource for Holy Week and the Triduum: Glory in the Cross by Paul Turner

Rites during this Period:

• The Scrutinies of the Elect (RCIA #141-146)
  • The purpose of the Scrutinies is "to uncover, then heal, all that is weak,defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect" AND "to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good" (#141).
  • The presider for the scrutinies is a priest or deacon (#144-145) and should take place within the Ritual Mass: I. For the Conferral of the Sacraments of Christian Initation / 2. For the Celebration of the Scrutinies (#146), though they may be celebrated outside of Mass
    • Click here for a summary of Mass texts to be used on the 3rd, 4th, & 5th Sundays of Lent. Note that there are inserts for the Eucharistic Prayers!
    • Order of the Rite:
      • Readings (Cycle A always used) 
      • Homily
      • Invitation to Prayer: the Elect bow their heads or kneel
      • Intercessions: Godparent place right hands on shoulder of the elect
        • For the Elect
        • Can include universal intentions at this time; if so, they are omitted later
      • Exorcism
      • Dismissal
      • Universal Prayer (general intercessions, if not already done; may be omitted)
      • Creed (note that it comes AFTER the intercessions; may be omitted)
  • 3rd, 4th, & 5th Sundays of Lent
    • First Scrutiny (#150-156): 3rd Sunday of Lent
    • Second Scrutiny (#164-170): 4th Sunday of Lent
    • Third Scrutiny (#171-177): 5th Sunday of Lent
  • Click here on articles on the Scrutinies from TeamRCIA.

• The Presentations (RCIA #147-149)
  • Presentation of the Creed (#157-163)
    • Third Week of Lent (NOT on Sunday as part of the Scrutiny)
    • Or may be celebrated during the catechumenate
    • The Creed is "handed over" to be memorized (!) and then "handed back" (recited) as part of the Preparation Rites on Holy Saturday
    • Should take place at Mass
    • Make sure that you use the translations of the Apostles' or Nicene Creed foundin the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal (not the version in the RCIA)
  • Presentation of the Lord's Prayer (#178-184)
    • Fifth Week of Lent (NOT on Sunday as part of the Scrutiny)
    • Or may be celebrated during the catechumenate or even as part of the preparation rites on Holy Saturday; should take place at Mass
    • The Lord's Prayer is then recited for the first time at the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation 

• The Preparation Rites of Holy Saturday (RCIA #185-205): Some or all of these rites may be celebrated...
  • Presentation of the Lord's Prayer, if not already done (#149, 178-180)
  • "Return" or recitation of the Creed (#193-196)
  • Ephephetha Rite (#197-199): precedes the recitation of the Creed if both are used
  • Choosing of a baptismal name (#200-202)

Rite ending this Period (Step Three): The Sacraments of Initiation (typically at the Easter Vigil)

The order of service varies slightly if the Vigil is celebrated with candidates, catechumens (elect), or both. It is preferable, however, that the reception and confirmation of candidates take place at a Mass different from the Vigil (see National Statutes #26). After the homily, if only the Elect are to be initiated:

• Blessing of the Font (Missal: Easter Vigil #37-54)
  • Replaces RCIA #218-222
  • Flowchart: Blessing of the Font & Water depending on whether baptisms are being celebrated or not
• Celebration of Baptism (RCIA #209-214, 223-230)
  • Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith (#224-225; use the translation found in the Missal #55)
    • Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens is ommitted in the US (RCIA #33)
  • Baptism (#226)
  • Explanatory Rites (#227-230)
    • Anointing after Baptism: omitted if will be Confirmed (usual)
    • Clothing with white garment: may be omitted
    • Presentation of a lighted candle
  • Confirmation (#231-236)
    • Use the new translation of the rite, including the consecratory prayer (#234)
• Renewal of Baptismal Promises and sprinkling wth baptismal water (Missal #55-57; replaces RCIA #237-240)
• Intercessions (Missal #58 / RCIA #241) [the Creed is not said]
• Note that the neophytes and godparents are commemorated in the Eucharistic Prayer (Missal #63; the texts are found under the Ritual Masses, I. For the Conferral of the Sacraments of Initiation, 3. For the Conferral of Baptism).

The names of the neophytes are to be inscribed in the parish sacramental records, in accord with the diocesan Sacramental Records Handbook of Policies and Procedures. 

Source: RCIA #244-251

What is the individual called? A Neophyte

Accompanied by: Godparents (and, especially now, the entire community)

Explanation: Mystagogy (summary)

Click here for articles on the Easter Season and Mystagogy from TeamRCIA.

Rites during this Period:

• Masses for Neophytes (The Sunday Masses of Eastertime; RCIA #247-248)
• A celebration at the end of Eastertime (RCIA #249)
• Offer the opportunity for celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Rite ending this Period: Anniversary Mass or other gathering (RCIA #250)

The formal Period of Mystagogy ends after1 year... but mystagogy itself is life-long... for all the baptized!

SOURCE: RCIA Part II, Chapter 1 -
"Christian Initiation of Children who have Reached Catechetical Age."

The "age of reason" is not a number, but a matter of discernment. 

Children Younger than the "Age of Reason" (< 7/y/o approx.)
-the Rite of Baptism for Children is used

Children of "Catechetical Age" (~7-14 y/o)
-Introduction: #252-259
-note that this is an adaptation of the "RCIA" ... there is no such thing as "RCIC"!
-the key here is that the periods and steps of the RCIA are followed, but adapted to the capacities of the child... as much of the RCIA should be done as possible... the intention here is not to take "shortcuts" just because you can...!
-for example, while the rites may be celebrated with a smaller group (#257), if possible, they should be celebrated with the whole parish community
-it is also suggested that they be part of formation with baptized children preparing for first communion or confirmation (#254)
-Mystagogy is not omitted, but may be adapted to the needs and capacities of the children (#330)
-Here are the adapted rites:

Step One: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (RCIA #260-276)

• the children may take part in the usual rite with adults
• or, the adapted rite found here might be used
  • A priest or deacon presides; it takes place outside of Mass (#261)
  • the parents must give consent and should be present; if the parents are not to be present, a sponsor takes their place (#260)

Step Two: Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names (optional; RCIA #277-290)

• the children may take part in the usual rite with adults, use this adapted rite, or the rite may be omitted altogether if necessary; in our diocese, children of catechetical age should celebrate the Rite of Election with others in the RCIA if at all possible
• usually coincides with beginning of Lent
• the Bishop is the celebrant; the rite may take place within or outside of Mass

• If able, the child celebrates the adult scrutinies (see #291; #141-146)
• If not, the adapted penitential rite found here is used
  • At least one, preferably 2, scrutinies are celebrated (#294)
  • It takes the form of a Liturgy of the Word
  • If not already done, the anointing with the Oil of Catechumens is included (#301)
  • It can be celebrated with those already baptized, who include the celebration of First Reconciliation in this context (#303)

• The rites for the presentation of the Creed and Lord's Prayer may be adapted and used (#258).

Step Three: Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA #304-329)

• Usually at the Easter Vigil, but can take place at another time - for example, when peers are celebrating First Communion or Confirmation (#308)

SOURCE: RCIA Part II
Chapter 4: "Preparation of Uncatechized Adults for Confirmation and Eucharist"
Chapter 5: "Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church"

ADULTS

There are two determinations to be made here.

1. First, in what tradition is the person baptized?
2. Second, are they catechized or not?

For those who are uncatechized, their "plan of catechesis corresponds to the one laid down for catechumens" but without losing sight that they have been baptized (#402). Therefore, the RCIA in the US provides rites that may be celebrated with those already baptized alone, or combined with the rites for those preparing for baptism.

For those who are catechized, “no greater burden than necessary is required” (RCIA #473).

The Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation is offered and encouraged prior to Reception and the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA #408, 482; NS #27). Though the RCIA is clear that one cannot be forced to celebrate the sacrament (#482: "the candidate, according to his or her own conscience, should make a confession of sins" before reception and the sacraments of initiation), the importance of celebrating this sacrament should not be minimized. As the Canadian edition of the RCIA puts it:

• "In the early church the sacrament of penance was regarded as a 'second baptism.' St. Ambrose remarked that the church 'possesses both water and tears: the water of baptism, the tears of penance.' In the case of the baptized who have completed a period of formation and aer ready to complete their initiation, the sacrament of penance may occupy a place similar to the sacrament of baptism for the elect" (#528).

A Baptized but UNCATECHIZED non-Catholic

• "Uncatechized" would mean, for example, not having received communion or confirmation in their tradition, and/or having had little or no formal exposure to the Christian faith
• The process is guided by both chapters 4 and 5
• The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates (RCIA #411-433 or #502-529) may be celebrated
• During the time of initial formation (analogous to the catechumenate), the Candidate may take part in Celebrations of the Word (#406; see #81-84) as well as the Presentations of the Creed, Lord's Prayer, and/or Gospels (#407; see #64, 157-162, 178-182)
• They may take part in the Rite of Sending (#434-445 or #530-446) and the Rite of Calling Candidates to Continuing Conversion (#446-458)
• On the 2nd Sunday of Lent (typically), a Penitential Rite may be celebrated (#459-472); it is never combined with the Scrutinies of the Elect.
  • The penitential rite is recommended as a way to help prepare candidates for celebrating the sacrament of penance/reconciliation (#461)
• At the end of the process, they are received into the Catholic Church (chapter 5), are Confirmed, and receive First Eucharist
  • Prior to receiving these sacraments, Reconciliation is offered
• Reception and the celebration of the sacraments are recorded in the parish's sacramental records in accord with diocesan policy

A Baptized but UNCATECHIZED Catholic (=has received neither First Eucharist or Confirmation)

• The process is guided by chapter 4
• The same rites for an uncatechized non-Catholic may be used
• At the end of the process, they are Confirmed and receive First Eucharist
  • Prior to receiving these sacraments, Reconciliation is offered 
• The celebration of the sacraments are recorded in the parish's sacramental records in accord with diocesan policy

A Baptized AND Catechized non-Catholic

• “No greater burden than necessary is required” (RCIA #473).
• Pastoral formation includes both doctrinal and spiritual preparation adapted to the individual’s needs for reception into full communion and a deeper adherence to the Church.
• The length of preparation is determined by the amount of formation needed.
• At the end of the process, they are received into the Catholic Church (chapter 5)
  • If Protestant or Anglican, they are Confirmed, and receive First Eucharist
  • If from an Eastern Church, no liturgical rite is needed (#474)
  • Prior to receiving these sacraments or being received, Reconciliation is offered 
• Reception and the celebration of the sacraments are recorded in the parish's sacramental records in accord with diocesan policy

A Baptized AND Catechized Catholic (=has received First Communion but not Confirmation)

• if they are younger than the usual age of Confirmation at the parish, they become part of the usual catechetical process and then Confirmed by the Bishop
• if older, this individual is prepared for Confirmation, which is then celebrated at the proper time by the pastor
• Prior to receiving Confirmation, Reconciliation is offered 
• they are not part of the RCIA process

CHILDREN:

Children Younger than the "Age of Reason" (< 7/y/o approx.)
-they do NOT become Catholic simply by their parent(s) doing so
-a public manifestation ("juridic act") of intent on the part of the parent(s) is required
-for example, a written letter or oral declaration before the competent authority (pastor), stating that they want their child to be a Catholic and that the child will be brought up Catholic, suffices; no liturgical ceremony is required
-if there is a desire to mark the occasion liturgically, one could adapt Chapter 6 of the Rite of Baptism of Children or Chapter 5 in Part II of the RCIA

Children of Catechetical Age (~7-14 y/o)

Uncatechized Catholic: prepared for First Reconcililation and Communion; then prepares for Confirmation later with peers

Others: Prepared for First Communion and Confirmation
-the Rites for adults (see above) may be adapted to be more age-appropriate (see Part II, Ch 1 for examples)
-Don't forget to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Reception / Sacraments of Initiation

Marriage questions often arise in the context of initiation ministry. Is an annulment needed? Does the current marriage require convalidation? This excellent article by Fr. Paul Turner offers expert guidance through these often complicated -- and deeply personal -- issues. As he notes, addressing the status of the marriage of a catechumen or candidate is an opportunity for pastoral care.

Please consult with the Liturgy Office or Tribunal should any question arise; we're happy to help!