The General
Directory for Catechesis has some revolutionary words for the
Church: "The baptismal catechumenate ... is the model of
(the Church's) catechizing activity" (#90).
To many,
this concept is an entirely new mind-set, but the Fathers of
the Church: Origin, St. Augustine, St. Chrysostom, St. Cyril
all knew this to be true. Why? Because the Church has
a mission to all people to baptize them in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is the New Evangelization
... meeting people where they are, speaking to them in their
own language, and drawing them into the mystery of Christ by
the revelation of the unending love and mercy of God the Father.
Every year hundreds of people from every walk of life imaginable
come to the parishes of the Archdiocese of Denver seeking a
relationship with Christ and his Church through the process
of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). After
a period of inquiry, catechesis, and intense preparation through
Lent, these people receive the awesome outpouring of grace at
the most solemn Liturgy of the Church, the Easter Vigil. There
they are born into the Catholic Church through the sacraments
of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
What
is the Process of Christian Initiation?
Taken from
the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults", the following
explains the stages of Christian Initiation:
The
Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry
and introduction to the message of the Gospel. It is an opportunity
for the beginnings of faith.
First
Step: The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
This is the liturgical rite marking the beginning of the catechumenate
proper, as the candidates express, and the Church accepts, their
intention to respond to God's call to follow the way of Christ.
The
Period of the Catechumenate
This is the time for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens'
faith and conversion to God; celebrations of the word and prayers
of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist the process. The
duration corresponds to the progress of the individual.
Second
Step: The Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names
This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First
Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumens'
readiness for the sacraments of initiation. The catechumens,
now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.
The
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This is the time immediately preceding the elects' initiation.
It is usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of
this initiation at the Easter Vigil. It is a time of reflection,
intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the
scrutinies and presentations and of the preparation rites on
Holy Saturday.
Third
Step: The Rite of the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter
Vigil, by which the elect are initiated through baptism, confirmation,
and the eucharist.
The
Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration
of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being
fully a part of the Christian community by means of pertinent
catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful
in the Sunday eucharistic celebration.
What
is the Office of Christian Initiation?
The Office
of Christian Initiation exists to serve those who minister directly
to those who seek a relationship with Christ and his Church
through the RCIA. To do this, it acts as a resource, liaison
and guide.