1. The Journey of the Catechumen
The Sacraments
Document #: TX002103

2. The Journey of the Catechumen
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process through which adults, and now children seven or older (seven being the age of reason) enter the Catholic Church.
The Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church, an ecumenical or worldwide council that met in the early 1960s, chose first to revise the liturgy so that it would more closely follow the liturgical norms of the early Church. At this time the Church also decided to revise and reintroduce the ancient pattern of Christian initiation into the Church, reformulated as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, as the normative pattern for Christian Initiation. (See the handout “Vocabulary for Unit 3” [Document #: TX002091] for an explanation of this term.)
Notes: Explain to the students that this slideshow describes each step of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Make the following points (above):

3. Major Stages Period of Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate and Evangelization)
Rite of Acceptance (first step)
Catechumenate
Period of the Catechumenate
Rite of Election (second step)
Purification and Enlightenment
Sacrament of Initiation (third step)
Mystagogy
Notes: The revised Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults follows the ancient pattern of pre-catechumenate and catechumenate, followed by Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—all during the same liturgy at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. The RCIA is a process structured to include seven stages: four distinct periods of time and three steps. The entire process of the RCIA serves as a model of Christian life for all the Church.
Alternate Image Option: adults gathered in an RCIA group, at a session, or in church, with stoles on their shoulders

4. Inquiry Stage Pre-Catechumenate Period of Evangelization
Notes: The first stage begins when a person interested in following Christ in the Church and in being baptized becomes an “inquirer.” We call this stage the pre-catechumenate and the period of evangelization. For the inquirer, this is an important time of discernment—a time for sorting through one’s many motivations, challenges, and emotions to determine whether Christ really is calling him or her to a new state of life. This can be a wonderfully graced time of the process, when Christ, who is in many ways hidden to the inquirer, is working within him or her. This is a more “private” and open-ended period, when the inquirer can pray, talk with Catholic friends, discuss matters with catechists (or teachers) in the community, seek the advice of the priest, and pursue answers to questions about the Catholic faith. The decision to proceed is the free decision of the inquirer.
Alternate Image Option: an adult speaking with a priest
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5. First Step Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
The first public step made by the inquirer 
Accepted into the Order of Catechumens
Notes: At this time the inquirer publicly states his or her intention to follow Christ in the Church, and to be accepted into the order of catechumens. The rite often takes place during a Sunday Mass and always involves a Liturgy of the Word. The rite begins as the celebrant meets the inquirer (or, often, inquirers, also called candidates) at the door of the church. In the presence of the community (or representatives of the community), the celebrant asks them the following questions (next slide):
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6. Questions for Inquirers (Candidates)
What is your name? 
What do you ask of God’s Church? (faith)
What does faith offer you? (eternal life)
Notes: In the presence of the community, the celebrant asks the inquirers the above questions. The celebrant then asks them whether they are prepared to begin their journey. After their response (“I am”), the celebrant asks the inquirers’ sponsors and the community if they too are ready to help these candidates to follow Christ. The community answers, “We are.” The celebrant then signs the foreheads of the candidates with the Sign of the Cross, and oftentimes signs ears, eyes, lips, and so on. The candidates’ sponsors do the same. (See Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults [RCIA])
After the celebrant prays for the candidates, asking for grace, protection, and perseverance, the candidates are officially welcomed into the Order of Catechumens. It is customary in many parish communities for the assembly to clap in approval at this time. This is the first official liturgical experience for the new catechumens. They will take part in the Liturgy of the Word and then they will be dismissed together, with a blessing, after the homily.
Alternate Image Option: priest and candidates for catechumenate in church, priest addressing group

7. Period of the Catechumenate
A time of spiritual and catechetical formation 
Involves the whole person
emotions
spiritual life
intellect
physical self
all one’s gifts and weaknesses
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8. Spiritual development
Formation through:
Catechesis 
Spiritual development
Liturgy (participation in the Liturgy of the Word, followed by dismissal and further catechesis)
Apostolic witness
Notes: The formation of a catechumen addresses all aspects of the person by devoting the process to catechesis, spiritual development, liturgy, and apostolic witness. We will look at each of these briefly.

9. Catechesis Introduction to the mystery of Christ
Notes: Catechesis is intended to introduce the catechumen to the mystery of Christ, primarily through teaching that is coordinated with the liturgical year. It incorporates the Liturgy of the Word, especially during the Sunday liturgy. This religion class is doing catechesis or faith formation right now, although it is not specifically coordinated with the liturgical year. (See RCIA, 75, 1)
Alternate Image Option: an adult instructing or discussing with other adults, preferably with Bible or Lectionary
© Lincoln Rogers/shutterstock.com
Introduction to the mystery of Christ 
Incorporating the Liturgy of the Word

10. Spiritual Development
Deals with the catechumen’s spiritual life
Learn to pray
Learn to see Christ’s presence in others
Learn to witness to the Gospel
Notes: Spiritual development deals with the catechumen’s spiritual life, and often emotions. He or she learns to pray, to see Christ’s presence in others, to witness to the Gospel by words and actions, and to become more and more rooted in Christ. Spiritual development also helps the catechumen to deal with the triumphs and tribulations of life, and to discern God’s Spirit. (See RCIA, 75, 2]
Alternate Image Option: a group of adults praying in a circle, both men and women of various ages

11. Liturgy
The liturgy is the manner in which the community expresses its faith and unity and is strengthened and fed by the Body of Christ. 
Notes: The Church’s liturgy is the manner in which the community expresses its faith and unity and is strengthened and fed by the Body of Christ. The catechumen takes part only in the Liturgy of the Word as he or she continues to be evangelized. The liturgy is also a time for special rites, during which the catechumen is blessed or anointed. (See RCIA, 75, 3)
Alternate Image Option: an assembly gathered around the altar at Mass
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12. Apostolic Witness Learning to become a member of the body of Christ
• Sharing the Gospel
• Living a life in Christ
Notes: Finally, catechumens learn to become members of the Body of Christ as they share the Gospel and work and even play with other members of the community. This is called apostolic witness, and is an essential part of the Christian life (see RCIA 75, 4). Because the formation of the catechumens is an intense time, they are considered already to be “part of the household of Christ” (RCIA, 47). If a catechumen dies, even though he or she is not baptized, that person is given a Christian burial.
This is the major substance of the period of the catechumenate prior to the final stage during Lent. This period can last from nearly a year up to three years. A year or less for the entire process is common in most parishes in the United States. We will examine the next stage, which begins with the Rite of Election, during the next class session.
Alternate Image Option: an image of service—reading the Bible or praying with an elderly person, serving in a soup kitchen or clothes distribution center
© Lisa F. Young/shutterstock.com

13. Catechumens are now given a new title: the elect. Enrollment of Names
Rite of Election
Whereas the inquirer freely chooses to “accept” the next step of becoming a catechumen, the Church chooses or elects the catechumen as a sign of the Church’s acceptance.
Catechumens are now given a new title: the elect.
Enrollment of Names
Notes: A central part of the Rite of Election is the Enrollment of Names of the newly elect.
The Rite of Election usually takes place on the First Sunday of Lent and is normally celebrated in the cathedral by the bishop of the diocese. In large dioceses, there may be several Rites of Election in different churches to accommodate people who live long distances from the cathedral or to accommodate large numbers of catechumens.
The Rite of Election begins a “forty-day retreat” for the elect during Lent, a liturgical season that is based on Jesus’ forty days in the desert after his Baptism. This is a time of intense prayer, discernment, and for fervent support of the community.
Remind the students that they may also refer to the handout “The Journey of the Catechumen” (Document #: TX002093) that they previously received. Instruct them to take notes in their learning journals or on a separate sheet of paper.
Alternate Image Option: people signing their names in the book at the Rite of Election

14. Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This period coincides with the season of Lent.
It involves prayer, fasting, and works of mercy.
Notes: This period customarily coincides with the season of Lent. During this period the elect are encouraged to pray, fast, and do corporal works of mercy. It is also a time in which the entire parish community is called to support the elect with prayers and other forms of support.
Alternate Image Option: a cross draped with Lenten purple, or adults at prayer or giving service in some way
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15. Support the catechumen
Scrutinies
Support the catechumen
Three liturgical rites, on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent
Self-examination, repentance, and healing
Notes: Liturgical rites called scrutinies also support the catechumen, along with the presentation of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer.
The elect participate in this liturgical rite on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. The scrutinies are intended to assist the elect in self-examination and repentance, and to heal any weakness or sin. Scrutinies involve prayers of intercession and special prayers called “exorcisms,” which are pleas to God that the elect may acknowledge their weaknesses and put their trust in God.
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16. Presentation of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer
Two liturgical celebrations in which the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer are presented
Notes: During these liturgical rites, in the third and fifth weeks of Lent, the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer are presented to the catechumens. Usually the Creed is recited and the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) is prayed aloud, usually during a celebration of the Eucharist, after the homily. These two prayers are central to Christian faith, and they provide spiritual food for the final stages of the journey of the catechumen.
Ideally, the elect are asked to stand and listen as the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer are recited for them. This represents the personal, spoken handing on of the faith. This reflects that the Church asks the elect not only to learn the prayers by heart, but to live them by heart.
Alternate Image Option: the Lord’s Prayer written on parchment, in calligraphy
© rojo/shutterstock.com

17. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil
Baptism
Confirmation
the Eucharist
Period of Mystagogy
Alternate Image Option: the Paschal Fire
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18. Procession with the Paschal Candle
The Symbol of the Risen Christ
All eyes are upon the candle as the deacon sings the Exsultet (from its first word, Rejoice!)
Liturgy of the Word
Notes: Also called the Easter Candle, this is the tall candle lit at the Easter Vigil by a flame from the new fire: the symbol of the Risen Christ. From this candle, the assembly’s individual tapers are lit, symbolizing our life in the Risen Christ. The Paschal Candle is lit in the sanctuary for Masses during the Easter season, and during the year is kept near the baptismal font.
The Exsultet sets the context for the entire Easter Vigil, preparing us for the Liturgy of the Word, which reacquaints us with the history of our salvation.
Alternate Image Option: procession with the Paschal Candle
© Francisco Amaral Leitão/shutterstock.com

19. Baptism Litany of Saints Blessing of the Water Profession of Faith
Baptism ([Name], I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”) (RCIA, 317)
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20. Symbols of Baptism White garment Lighted candle
Notes: Immediately after Baptism, the new Christian is given a new white garment. The garment symbolizes that the newly baptized have clothed themselves in Christ.
Lighted candle: the godparents of the newly baptized are called forward and given a candle, which they light from the Paschal Candle and present to the newly baptized, who are urged to “keep the flame alive in your hearts” (RCIA, 321).
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21. Confirmed by the presiding priest
Confirmation
Confirmed by the presiding priest
Holy Spirit will strengthen the new Christians
Notes: In the absence of the bishop, the same priest who baptized the candidates is authorized to confirm the newly baptized. The Holy Spirit will strengthen the new Christians to be active members of the Church “and to build up the Body of Christ in faith and love” (RCIA, 324).
After the Sacrament of Confirmation, the priest leads the entire assembly in renewing their own baptismal promises. At Easter, we are all new again.
© Bill Wittman /

22. Reception of the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time
The Eucharist
Reception of the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time
Completion of Christian Initiation
Notes: At this time the priest may have a few words to say to the newly baptized and confirmed. He may remind them that the Eucharist will complete their Christian Initiation and that with Jesus in the Eucharist, they will continue their journey “from here to eternity.”
Alternate Image Option: the reception of Communion by newly baptized adults or those newly received into the Church

23. Postbaptismal catechesis
Period of Mystagogy
Study of the mysteries
Postbaptismal catechesis
Notes: The time of mystagogy is a “time for the community and the neophytes together to grow in deepening their grasp of the paschal mystery and in making it part of their lives through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the eucharist, and doing the works of charity” (RCIA, 244).
Alternate Image Option: adults in a class or group, studying or praying together
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