Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

With regard to our understanding of the Sacraments of Initiation, the RCIA is the ideal model and that the principles that underlie the RCIA still apply even when these sacraments are celebrated with children and are separated over a number of years.  Hence, certain elements of the RCIA process need to be clearly understood.

Journey and Celebration

Firstly, the RCIA is a step-by-step PROCESS, which culminates in the celebration of the sacraments. It includes a period of formation and preparation known as the Catechumenate and along the way there are ritual celebrations of each of the steps.

The rite of initiation is suited to a spiritual journey … This journey includes not only the periods for making inquiry and for maturing, but also the steps marking the catechumen’s progress … These three steps …are marked by three liturgical rites (RCIA art.6-7).

Role of the Parish Community

Secondly, the RCIA recognises and highlights the important role played by the parish community:

‘Initiation is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful.’ (RCIA art.4)

‘Therefore, the community must always be fully prepared in the pursuit of its apostolic vocation to give help to those who are searching for Christ.’ (RCIA art.9) 

Sequence of the Sacraments

Thirdly, the sequence of the sacraments as they are conferred is Baptism, Confirmation and then the first reception of Communion in the Eucharist, which completes the initiation process.

‘Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people.  …By signing us with the gift of the Spirit, Confirmation makes us more completely the image of the Lord  …Finally, coming to the table of the Eucharist, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man’. (CI, Gen. Introduction, art.2)

What about Children?

Even when children are initiated into the faith community, each of the above elements needs to be present so that our practice is faithful to current Church teaching.

This article was originally published in ‘Sacraments of Initiation’. ©  Diocese of Parramatta. 2002, 2007. Reprinted with permission.

Image Attribution - English country road in April, Tony Atkin