RCIA Policy

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which parishes journey with adults towards Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). Initiation is usually celebrated in the parish at the Easter Vigil. The Rite provides the steps and stages to be followed.

Diocesan resources are available to assist parish teams in implementing the Rite. These are available through the Diocesan RCIA group.

Initial contact may be made through the RCIA Co-ordinator, Fr. Damien McNeice who will supply the relevant forms and information. He can be contacted  through the Dublin Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre, Holy Cross College, Clonliffe, Dublin 3, Tel. (01)8373732 – Ext 24, Email: damien.mcneice@dublindiocese.ie

Rite of Election

In parishes where there are adults preparing for Christian Initiation at Easter, they are invited to present these catechumens at the Rite of Election. The Rite of Election is the second liturgical step on the way to Christian Initiation at Easter. It is the only part of the process that takes place at Diocesan Level. The Rite of Election will take place on the first Sunday of Lent in the Pro-Cathedral. Please contact Damien McNeice before 31th October the previous year regarding the Rite of Election.

Outline for Christian Initiation of Adults

PERIOD OF EVANGELIZATION AND PRECATECHUMENATE

This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.

FIRST STEP: ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATHECHUMENS

This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on some annual date or dates, marking the beginning of the Catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to Gods call to follow the way of Christ.

PERIOD OF CATECHUMENATE

This is the time, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, 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.

SECOND STEP: ELECTION OR ENROLMENT 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 and the catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.

PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTMENT

This is the time immediately preceding the elects initiation, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Vigil; it is a time of reflection, intensely centred on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinies and presentations and of the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.

THIRD STEP: 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.

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 both pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday eucharistic celebration.