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
Welcome to the RCIA Resources page. This page is intended to help leaders better understand the catechumenal process and locate materials that support your RCIA processes.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults prepare and receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
RCIA consists of four distinct periods of formation: Period of Inquiry; Period of the Catechumenate; Period of Purification & Enlightenment and a Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis/Mystagogia.
RCIA is intended primarily for the initiation of unbaptized adults and children who have reached the age of reason, however the Rite also extends to baptized adults who are otherwise uncatechized.
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) (Spanish Coming Soon!)
Recommend Books (English) (Spanish)
FAQ's Some Answers to Common Questions
RCIA Team Training Day (Flyer) (Overview) NEW!!!
For more information, please contact Ryan Hanning at 602-354-2321 or email him at rhanning@diocesephoenix.org
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.
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.
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 catechumens.
Candidates may participate in the Rite of Welcoming and the Rite of Call to
Continuing Coversion. 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 of 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) Who has faculties to confirm at the Easter Vigil?
A) By law: pastors/priests 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.
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