Christian Initiation

(RCIA)

Mr. Pablo Cuadra

Religion Class
 What is initiation?
 1. The process of
being admitted to a
group or an
organization.
 What does initiation entail?
 Initiation usually
involves a process
of
 A. preparation
 B. instruction
 C. testing
How does the Church welcome
its new members?
 The Church
welcomes new
members through
a process of
initiation called
RCIA
 What does RCIA stand for?
 RCIA stands for:
 Rite of Christian
Initiation for
adults
 What is the purpose of
RCIA?
 To welcome new
members into
the Church and
prepare them to
receive the
sacraments of
initiation.
 The sacraments of
initiation are:
baptism,
Eucharist,
confirmation.
 What are the elements of the
RCIA?
 A. Proclamation of
the of the word of
God.
 B. Acceptance of
the Gospel
 C. Conversion
 D. Profession of
faith
 E. Sacraments of
initiation.
 How long is the RCIA?
 The RCIA can last
several years.
 What is the structure of the
RCIA?
 The RCIA is divided
into four periods
and three steps or
liturgical rites.
 A Period is a stage in
the process of
initiation.
 A step is a rite within a
period that marks
the end of that
period.
 What are the periods of the
RCIA?
 A. Evangelization
and
Precatechumenate
 B. Catechumenate
 C. Purification and
Enlightenment
 D. Mystagogy.
 What are the steps of the
RCIA?
 Remember steps are rituals
(ceremonies) that mark the
end of a period.
 These steps are:
 1. Rite of Acceptance into
the order of catechumenate
(marks the end of the Period
of Evangelization)
 2. Rite of Election or
enrollment of names (Marks
the end of the period of
Catechumenate)
 3. Sacraments of initiation
(Marks the end of the Period
of Purification and
enlightenment).
 Sacraments of
initiation
Steps Mystagogy 4
3

Enrollment
Purification and enlightenment 3
Of names2

Rite of
acceptance Catechumenate 2
1
Periods
Pre-Catechumenate 1
 What is the period of
Evangelization about?
 A time of inquiry.
 A time of
evangelization
(proclamation of the
Good News)
 A time to be informed
about the Catholic
faith
 A time to think about
the possibility of
becoming a Catholic
 What happens at the end of
this period?
 A. At the end of the period of
Evangelization inquirers enter the
process of catechumenate.
 B. This is called the first step:
Acceptance into the order of
catechumens.
 C. inquirers are now called
catechumens (those being
instructed).
 What is the second Period
about?
 The second period
is called
Catechumenate.
 The
catechumenate is a
time of instruction
and conversion.
 Who are the main figures
during the period of
catechumenate?
 A. the Faithful
 B. sponsors
 C. catechist (those
giving the
instruction)
 D. deacons
 E. Priests
 F. Parish staff
 What do catechumens do
during this period of
Catechumenate?
 Catechumens
joined the
community to
study, live and
celebrate the
Christian faith for
which they are
preparing for.
 How does the Catechumenate
take place?
 In four ways:
 A. Through the
teaching and rules of
the Church.
 B. Prayer, retreats,
spiritual direction,
conversion.
 C. Through the liturgy
of the word. (the first
part of the mass)
 D. Service
( Community and
parish)
 What happens during this
period?
 The second step
takes place
 This step is called
“Election or
enrollment of
names.
 What is the meaning of the
second step?
 This step marks the
end of the period
called
catechumenate.
 This rite or step is
celebrated at the
beginning of Lent
and marks the
beginning of the
period of final
preparation.
 The names of
 What is the period of
purification and
enlightenment?
 A. This period is a
time for intense
spiritual
preparation.
 B. Is a time for
repentance,
renewal
 C. Takes place
during Lent
 What is the third step?
 The third step takes
place at the end of the
period of purification
and enlightenment.
 This rite consist of the
sacraments of
initiation: baptism,
Eucharist, and
confirmation.
 The catechumens are
now called neophytes
(new growth).
 What is Mystagogy?
 Mystagogy is the
period of ongoing
instruction after
baptism.
 It coincides with the
fifty days of Easter
 Is a time of mentoring
and welcoming of the
new Christians.
The end