FAQs about RCIA

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I just said in another thread that someone should start a list of Frequently Asked Questions about RCIA. Then perhaps we can collaborate on some good clear answers and have it posted somewhere. Anyone game?

Here are a few to start.

1. I’ve never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through?
2. I’ve been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
3. I think I’ve been baptized but how can I prove it?
4. What is a conditional baptism?
5. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA?
6. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA?
7. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
8. What is a dismissal? What happens during the dismissal?
9. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass?
10. Should candidates also be dismissed from Mass?
11. I’m a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
12. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
13. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism?
14. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
15. What do I do if I’m not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?

 

[Texas_Roofer]

**1. I’ve never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through? **
Rite of Acceptance – non Baptized (typically Parish)
or
Combined Rite – The Rite of Welcoming & Rite of Acceptance are both done at once (typically Parish)

Rite of Election – Unbaptized (typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)
or
The Combined Rite - The Rite of Welcoming & Rite of Acceptance are both done at once(typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)

The rites are not the keys, the sacraments are Baptism (1), (2)confirmation, (3) Eucharist, (4) (latter) Reconciliation, (5)marriage (to complex for here usually not a big issue unless divorces have occurred), Last rites (hopefully not needed at this time) (7) Holy Orders (not typical but possible of RCIA people)

**2. I’ve been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through? **
Rite of Welcoming – Baptized (typically Parish)
or
Combined Rite – The Rite of Welcoming & Rite of Acceptance are both done at once (typically Parish)

Rite of Calling – Baptized (typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)
or
The Combined Rite - The Rite of Welcoming & Rite of Acceptance are both done at once(typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)

The sacraments are the same, if your baptism was in name of the father, son and holy spirit your baptism is accepted. Other Baptisms are not acknowledged.

3. I think I’ve been baptized but how can I prove it? (1) A baptismal record, (2) Letters signed by people claiming to have seen your Baptism, (3) conditional Baptism which is not proof but rectifies the condition

4. What is a conditional baptism? It is the we do not know so we Baptize with knowledge we maybe should not be baptizing. So we error to the safe side.

5. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA? Typical over 17 yes, under 17 often ccd

6. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA? Typically yes, some times a confirmation class is offered as a better alternate.

**7. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA? **Yes but it is your Priest decision not yours.

**8. What is a dismissal? **The catechumens are sent from Mass to study before Mass is finished. **What happens during the dismissal? **Catechumens study with a teacher (Catechist)

9. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass? It is tradition

10. Should candidates also be dismissed from Mass? No, but is a common practice

11. I’m a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites? It is not required but highly recommended

**12. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic? **Yes, you will need to go to the marriage tribunal, the parish has people to help you with this step.

13. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism? Same as any other (?) dress nice and expect to get wet

14. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one? Sponsors are referred to in the Canon Law :
*[Baptism] SPONSORS
Can. 872 Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it.
Can. 873 There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each.
Can. 874 §1. To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must:
1/ be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function;
2/ have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause;
3/ be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on;
4/ not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;
5/ not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
§2. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism.

[confirmation] Can. 892 Insofar as possible, there is to be a sponsor for the person to be confirmed; the sponsor is to take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament.

Can. 893 §1. To perform the function of sponsor, a person must fulfill the conditions mentioned in ⇒ can. 874.
.
§2. It is desirable to choose as sponsor the one who undertook the same function in baptism.*

Catholic Uncles, Aunts, friends of the family are common. The parish can help if you have no qualified friends or family

15. What do I do if I’m not satisfied with my catechetical sessions? Same as when you do not care for the Priest – be a good catholic

Hope that helps

some references
vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rite_of_Christian_Initiation_of_Adults

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

1. How long does RCIA take?
2. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?

 

[dhgray]

1. How long does RCIA take?
2. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?

1. Usually about 7 months - Starts at the end of summer and ends at Easter
2. You have to talk to your Parish priest about that.

 

[Rolltide]

If we’re doing a faq, you should add the following questions:

What is a Catechumen?

What is a Candidate?

What happens at the Easter Vigil?

 

[KarenElissa]

1. Usually about 7 months - Starts at the end of summer and ends at Easter
2. You have to talk to your Parish priest about that.

16 isn’t really accurate. It actually takes as long as you need it to. For some, yes, it will take about 7 months, for others, it could take a couple of years.

I also suggest adding to the list, What is RCIA? This should also include the differences between the process for the unbaptized who are actually in RCIA and the baptized who are not, but may be receiving instruction with them.

 

[Rolltide]

For that matter…

What IS the Rite of Welcoming?

What IS the Rite of Acceptance?

What IS the Rite of Election?

What IS the Rite of Calling?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Thanks for the additional questions! We should probably add one about the scrutinies as well – what are they and what happens?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Rite of Election – Unbaptized (typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)
or
The Combined Rite - The Rite of Welcoming & Rite of Acceptance are both done at once(typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)

Did you mean:

Rite of Election – Unbaptized (typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)
or
The Combined Rite - The Rite of Electio & Rite or Call to Continuing Conversion are both done at once(typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)

Also #2
Instead of:
Rite of Calling – Baptized (typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)
or
The Combined Rite - The Rite of Welcoming & Rite of Acceptance are both done at once. (typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)

Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion – Baptized (typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)
or
The Combined Rite - The Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion & Rite of Election are both done at once. (typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)

 

[jmcrae]

Some very slight corrections, here:

2. I’ve been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
Rite of Welcoming – Baptized (typically Parish)
or
Combined Rite – The Rite of Welcoming & Rite of Acceptance are both done at once (typically Parish)

This is OPTIONAL for the priest, and in many places it is not done simply because of issues around logistics, and because of the possible confusion of Candidates with Catechumens.

Rite of Calling – Baptized (typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)
or
The Combined Rite - The Rite of Welcoming & Rite of Acceptance are both done at once(typically Diocese or a Bishop visit to Parish)

The proper name for this is the Call to Continuing Conversion - it isn’t a “Rite” as such. It’s typically done at the Cathedral, by the Bishop. It opens the way for Candidates to begin to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in preparation for Confirmation and First Holy Communion, when they make their Profession of Faith, preferably not at the Easter Vigil, but on a different Sunday, so as not to be confused (yet again) with the unbaptized converts. The corresponding Rite for Catechumens is called the Rite of Election.

The sacraments are the same, if your baptism was in name of the father, son and holy spirit your baptism is accepted. Other Baptisms are not acknowledged.

Right. Here’s a bit more detail on that:

Candidates go for First Reconciliation at some point during Lent (after having received the Call to Continuing Conversion; not before), and are received into the Church on a Sunday during the Easter Season, or else on Pentecost Sunday.

Many parishes have the less desirable habit of Initiating everyone into the Church at the Easter Vigil, regardless of their status, though.

 

[jmcrae]

For that matter…

What IS the Rite of Welcoming?

The Rite of Welcoming acknowledges Baptized candidates who have completed their Period of Inquiry, and want to participate in the Period of Catechesis. They are welcomed with gifts such as a Bible or Crucifix for their homes, and invited to make a short statement indicating what spiritual gifts they wish to receive from the Church.

What IS the Rite of Acceptance?

This is the first Rite that is given to unbaptized Inquirers as they enter the period of Catechesis. They are marked with the sign of the Cross on their foreheads, and invited to make a short statement indicating their desire for Baptism.

What IS the Rite of Election?

This is the presentation of names to the Bishop by their sponsors, of those who are going to be baptized at the Easter Vigil.

What IS the Rite of Calling?

It isn’t - the proper name is the Call to Continuing Conversion. The Bishop acknowledges the desire of those who have already been baptized to enter more fully into the Catholic Church, and opens the way for them to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent, in order to prepare themselves for the final Sacraments of Initiation - Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Their sponsors are invited to proclaim that they are prepared to take on the duties of the Catholic faith.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I just said in another thread that someone should start a list of Frequently Asked Questions about RCIA. Then perhaps we can collaborate on some good clear answers and have it posted somewhere. Anyone game?

1. I’ve never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through?

After Inquiry phase. The Rite of Acceptance, at the end of the Catechumenate, The Rite of Sending (optional), The Rite of Election, The Scrutinies, Persentation of the Creed (optional), Persentation of the Lord’s Prayer (optional), Perparation Rites on Holy Saturday (optional), Celebration of the Sacramental Rites of Initiation.

1. I’ve been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?

After Inquiry phase. The Rite of Welcome (optional), at the end of the period of Catechesis, The Rite of Sending (optional), The Rite or Call to Continuing Conversion (optional), Celebration of the Sacramental Rites of Reception.

1. I think I’ve been baptized but how can I prove it?

Letter or certificate from your church stating when and where and by who. If a Catholic parish a Sacramental record can be requested. Otherwise if you were old enough to rememner yourself and can attest or someone who witnessed it. Pictures, video, etc.

1. What is a conditional baptism?

Conditional Baptism is celebrated in private when there is a serious question about the validity of a persons Baptism. It is celebrated without delay, with a minimal number of people present. The wording is: If your are not Baptized I Baptize you…

1. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA?

No, however an RCIA like process of Adult Sacramental preparation should be available to you.

1. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA?

No, however a short RCIA like process of Adult Sacramental preparation should be available to you.

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?

If you are already Baptized, you should only spend enough time in the RCIA like process to become familiar with Catholic customs and practices. “No longer than necessary.”

If you are not Baptized you should experience one full Liturgical year in the Catechumenate, and be Baptized at the Easter Vigil following the year as a Catechumen.

1. What is a dismissal? What happens during the dismissal?

At the Dismissal all Catechumens (those not Baptized) are sent away with the book of the Gospels after the Homily to discuss the readings with a catechist.

1. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass?

It was an ancient practice not to allow the un-Baptized to remain for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

1. Should candidates also be dismissed from Mass?

Generally no, they have a right to remain if they choose.

1. I’m a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?

Yes

1. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?

It is possible, after an investigation into the Marriage.

1. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism?

Through the RCIA if 8 or older. Generally there is an RCIA for Chridren geared to their age level.

1. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?

A Sponsor walks along with you through the Sacraments of Initiation or Reception. They become a life-long spiritual partner. It can be someone who qualifies that you know or the parish can supply someone if you do not know of anyone.

1. What do I do if I’m not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?

Speak with the director or the pastor, the Bishops office as a last resort.

1. How long does RCIA take?

As long as necessary, each individual will be different. The RCIa process is not a cookie-cutter program. It is possible that many people may go along together and form a bond and assist each other. But it is also possible that there will be several different small groups that form not all moving at the same rate.

1. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?

No, Inquiry should be available at any time. Formal Catechesis because of lack of parish resources may be delayed. But no one should ever be turned away or told to wait until fall!

 

[jmcrae]

1. How long does RCIA take?

As long or as short as you need. Catechumens who have no previous religious experience should spend at least one full calendar year (52 Sundays) in the Period of Catechesis. This is in addition to the Period of Inquiry, the Period of Purification, and Mystagogia.

1. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?

Speak to the pastor of the parish to let him know of your situation, and then (if he gives you permission) contact the RCIA Coordinator to find out how to get caught up.

 

[jmcrae]

Here is another question to add to your list:

My brain is full; I think I know everything that I can know about the Catholic faith, and I have received all of my Sacraments of Initiation. Do I have to attend Mystagogia?

YES. Now that you are a fully initiated Catholic, there are many things that have become important, that were not important before.

There are also things that you still need support with. For example, as a newly baptized Catholic, you still need to make a preparation for First Reconciliation. You can do this during Mystagogia. As new Catholics, you have many questions that you are afraid to ask, in case someone might think you weren’t paying attention in RCIA. There are things you are starting to notice at Mass that you hadn’t noticed before, and you are wondering what’s going on. Mystagogia is the proper place to ask these questions.

 

[Rolltide]

More questions that need to be added:

What is the Inquiry Phase?

What is the The Rite of Sending (optional)?

What are The Scrutinies?

What is the Presentation of the Creed (optional)?

What is the Persentation of the Lord’s Prayer (optional)?

What are the Preparation Rites on Holy Saturday (optional)?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Are there more questions?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED

1. I’ve never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Acceptance.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Rite of Election.
5. Tell me more about the scrutinies.
6. Tell me more about the presentation of the Creed.
7. Tell me more about the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer.
8. Tell me more about the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
9. What is a catechumen?
10. What is a dismissal? What happens during the dismissal?
11. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass?
12. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

1. I’ve been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Welcoming.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Call to Continuing Conversion.
5. I think I’ve been baptized but how can I prove it?
6. What is a conditional baptism?
7. What is a candidate?
8. Should candidates be dismissed from Mass?
9. When may I or when must I go to confession?

FOR THOSE WHO WERE BAPTIZED CATHOLIC BUT HAVEN’T COMPLETED THEIR SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

1. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA?
2. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA?

FOR ALL

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
2. I’m a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
3. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
4. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
5. What do I do if I’m not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?
6. How long does RCIA take?
7. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
8. What happens at the Easter Vigil?
9. My brain is full; I think I know everything that I can know about the Catholic faith, and I have received all of my Sacraments of Initiation. Do I have to attend Mystagogia?

 

[Rolltide]

Are there more questions?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED

1. I’ve never been baptized. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Acceptance.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Rite of Election.
5. Tell me more about the scrutinies.
6. Tell me more about the presentation of the Creed.
7. Tell me more about the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer.
8. Tell me more about the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
9. What is a catechumen?
10. What is a dismissal? What happens during the dismissal?
11. Why are catechumens dismissed from Mass?
12. How does an older child or teen prepare for baptism?

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

1. I’ve been baptized in another Christian community. What are the rites I will go through?
2. Tell me more about the Rite of Welcoming.
3. Tell me more about the Rite of Sending.
4. Tell me more about the Call to Continuing Conversion.
5. I think I’ve been baptized but how can I prove it?
6. What is a conditional baptism?
7. What is a candidate?
8. Should candidates be dismissed from Mass?
9. When may I or when must I go to confession?

FOR THOSE WHO WERE BAPTIZED CATHOLIC BUT HAVEN’T COMPLETED THEIR SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

1. I was baptized Catholic but never received my First Communion or Confirmation. Do I need RCIA?
2. I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion, but was never confirmed. Do I need RCIA?

FOR ALL

1. I already know a lot about the Catholic Church. Can I skip RCIA?
2. I’m a shy person. Do I need to stand in front of the assembly during the rites?
3. I was divorced and am now remarried. Can I become Catholic?
4. What does a sponsor do? How do I find one?
5. What do I do if I’m not satisfied with my catechetical sessions?
6. How long does RCIA take?
7. My parish started RCIA in September. Do I have to wait until next September to start?
8. What happens at the Easter Vigil?
9. My brain is full; I think I know everything that I can know about the Catholic faith, and I have received all of my Sacraments of Initiation. Do I have to attend Mystagogia?

Good questions, but I’d put them in a slightly different order. Take Questions 1-7 from the FOR ALL section and put them first, at the top, called INITIAL QUESTIONS. I’d then take 8 and 9 and leave it at the bottom in a section called FINAL STEPS AND SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION (for all), or something like that.

 

[KarenElissa]

Candidates go for First Reconciliation at some point during Lent (after having received the Call to Continuing Conversion; not before), and are received into the Church on a Sunday during the Easter Season, or else on Pentecost Sunday.

Many parishes have the less desirable habit of Initiating everyone into the Church at the Easter Vigil, regardless of their status, though.

Another comment, for canidates, the order is more or less the same, but doesn’t necessarily happen around Lent/Easter. My parish also receives candidates on Christ the King.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Good questions, but I’d put them in a slightly different order. Take Questions 1-7 from the FOR ALL section and put them first, at the top, called INITIAL QUESTIONS. I’d then take 8 and 9 and leave it at the bottom in a section called FINAL STEPS AND SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION (for all), or something like that.

That sounds good!

Are there any other frequently asked questions?

 

[Rolltide]

That sounds good!

Are there any other frequently asked questions?

How about, “In the unusual circumstance that I want to enter the church, and the priest lets me skip RCIA, what generally happens then?”

Also, “I currently belong to an Orthodox church. Is it necessary that I go through RCIA too?”