RCIA Rule on "when"

[Elzee]

Is there any Church ruling, discipline, etc. that requires candidates and catechumens to be brought into the Church during the Easter Vigil, or, instead can a parish decide to bring people into the Church throughout the year whenever the pastor feels each person is ready?

 

[mercygate]

Is there any Church ruling, discipline, etc. that requires candidates and catechumens to be brought into the Church during the Easter Vigil, or, instead can a parish decide to bring people into the Church throughout the year whenever the pastor feels each person is ready?

Easter Vigil is the desired time. If you are on your deathbed or have some other extenuation, you may be received at any time, depending on the judgment of your pastor.

 

[Elzee]

Easter Vigil is the desired time. If you are on your deathbed or have some other extenuation, you may be received at any time, depending on the judgment of your pastor.

Thank you mercygate, but I’m looking for something more specific. Is it ‘desired’ or ‘required’? Is the only exception like the one you noted? Are the ‘rules’ documented somewhere? I tried searching the USCCB site and didn’t get very far.

 

[Orionthehunter]

Is there any Church ruling, discipline, etc. that requires candidates and catechumens to be brought into the Church during the Easter Vigil, or, instead can a parish decide to bring people into the Church throughout the year whenever the pastor feels each person is ready?

Except in grave circumstances, confirmation is to be done by a Bishop. However, as the Bishop can not be in many places at once, he authorizes Priests to do confirmations @ Easter Vigil for those who the Pastor believes prepared via RCIA and on other times upon request.

It is unlikely that the Bishop would approve the arrangement you suggest without certain compelling circumstances. The reason is that there is great symbolism in combining Confirmation with the Easter Vigil. We are an Easter people who rise again because of Christ’s Resurrection. There is great practical reasons as it allows the Candidates/Catechumens to walk the RCIA journey consistent with the Church Liturgical Year.

The Period of Inquiry – This is when people can ask questions to get an idea about Catholicism. They learn about scriptures and Jesus Christ. This period takes as long as it needs to. When the person is ready to go to the next phase, sometimes they need to write a letter saying why they feel they want to convert. This period usually lasts up until right before Advent when most Parishes have a Rite of Welcome to bring the candidates into the parish in universal preparation for the coming of our Lord @ Christmas.

Period of the Catechumenate – For this phase to begin, people need to accept Jesus Christ is their savior. They begin going to Mass on Sunday and further their commitment to the faith. They reflect more deeply, about how Catholicism will affect your life. This phase also lasts as long as it needs to for individuals. This period usually ends prior to the beginning of Lent.

Period of Purification or Illumination – This period corresponds with the time of Lent. It is the six-week preparation time for Easter. It becomes the praying time for those who are to become Catholic known as the Elect. The period is begun by the Rite of election, usually celebrated at the Cathedral Church with the Diocesan Bishop. This rite accepts them accepted as candidates for the Sacraments by the Bishop, representing the fact that this decision is not theirs alone. Normally this rite takes place on the first Sunday of Lent. Special prayers are offered to support the Elect.

Celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation – The Sacraments of Initiation is celebrated at the Easter Vigil. The Easter Vigil is an extended night watch of prayer, singing, and hearing the Word of God. By the waters of baptism, a person passes into the new life of grace and becomes a member of the Body of Christ. Those who are all ready baptized, have the Sacrament of the Reconciliation prior, are given Holy Communion, and are confirmed. Anointing with Holy oil called chrism seals the initiation by the power of the Holy Spirit and participation at the Table of the Lord in the Eucharist marks full membership in the church.

The Period of Mystagogy – This period lasts from Easter Sunday until the completion of the Easter season. That is fifty days later on Pentecost Sunday and completes the initiation process. Those who have just shared in the sacraments of initiation are now called Neophytes and during this period of Easter joy they reflect on what they have just gone through and look to the future as to how they can now share in the mission of Christ who came to bring salvation and life to the whole world. This period reminds the whole church that life in Christ constantly calls us to grow and to look for new ways to live the life of grace, personally and together.

Why would you want to do it any other way?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Is there any Church ruling, discipline, etc. that requires candidates and catechumens to be brought into the Church during the Easter Vigil, or, instead can a parish decide to bring people into the Church throughout the year whenever the pastor feels each person is ready?

Yes, The Easter Vigil is the normal time for adult Baptism. Adult Baptism can be celebrated at other times if there is a serious necessity and the Bishops permission is required to do so outside of an emergency.

Candidates should celebrate the Rite of Reception at a time other than the Easter Vigil when possible. Because the Easter Vigil is focused primarily on the Catechumens being Baptized. They can be received into full union with the Church at the Easter Vigil when it is not possible to do so at another time.

The Rite of Reception should take place two or three times a year because of the shorter amount of time Candidates would normally spens in catechesis and preparation as compaired to Catechumens who should spens at least one full liturgical year in the Catechumenate.

 

[Elzee]

Why would you want to do it any other way?

Just to clarify - I don’t!

But I’m assisting someone with finding out if it is/isn’t allowed.

 

[Elzee]

Yes, The Easter Vigil is the normal time for adult Baptism. Adult Baptism can be celebrated at other times if the is a serious necessity and the Bishops permission is required.

Candidates celebrate the Rite of Reception at a time other than the Easter Vigil when possible. Because the Easter Vigil is focused primarily on the Catechumens being Baptized. They can be received into full union with the Church at the Easter Vigil when it is not possible to do so at another time.

Thanks Brother Rich! Do you know where I can find this documented?

 

[Elzee]

Candidates should celebrate the Rite of Reception at a time other than the Easter Vigil when possible. Because the Easter Vigil is focused primarily on the Catechumens being Baptized. They can be received into full union with the Church at the Easter Vigil when it is not possible to do so at another time.

The Rite of Reception should take place two or three times a year because of the shorter amount of time Candidates would normally spens in catechesis and preparation

Is there a Church document that outlines this? Thank you!

 

[jmcrae]

Is there a Church document that outlines this? Thank you!

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the name of both the document and the process that it describes. You should be able to find a copy at your local Catholic bookstore, and if not, try your local Bishop’s office - he should at least have it in his lending library, and he or his staff will probably also have copies available that you can buy.

 

[Elzee]

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the name of both the document and the process that it describes. You should be able to find a copy at your local Catholic bookstore, and if not, try your local Bishop’s office - he should at least have it in his lending library, and he or his staff will probably also have copies available that you can buy.

Thank you!

 

[puzzleannie]

Is there any Church ruling, discipline, etc. that requires candidates and catechumens to be brought into the Church during the Easter Vigil, or, instead can a parish decide to bring people into the Church throughout the year whenever the pastor feels each person is ready?

the normal time for the sacraments of initiation for catechumens (who during Lent are actually “the Elect”) is at the Easter Vigil. If there is a large number, they can be received at other Easter Masses, or Sundays during the Easter Season.

Candidates–baptized non-Catholics entering into full communion with the Catholic Church–according to the RCIA ritual book by preference are received during a Sunday Mass sometime other than the Easter Vigil, to avoid confusion between the status of the baptized and the unbaptized. However, the ritual book does provide for a combined rite for the Easter Vigil when both can be received. The distinction between the two must be maintained.

What is also pertinent is the prescription that the catechumenate must take a sufficient time for conversion and instruction of the initiate, years if necessary, but no less than a year, from Easter season of the first year, to the following Lent and Easter. Uncatechized baptized adults will need a similar length of time, and may profitably attend class with the unbaptized (as long as the distinction between baptized and unbaptized is preserved, and the baptized do not celebrate rites intended for the unbaptized.

However, and many parishes miss this, a baptized non-Catholic who has been practicing his faith, living a Christian life, well instructed in the basics of Christian doctrine, who merely needs initiating into Catholic culture and practice, should not be required to follow the same set curriculum for new Christians, for the same extended time. he can be received into the Church as soon as he is prepared for and makes first confession, understands and accepts the basics of Catholic teaching. He should not be made to wait “for the whole class to graduate” as it were. he should be received during a regular Sunday Mass, but not a solemnity.

 

[Lissla_Lissar]

Interesting. All three of the churches we’ve spoken to about being recieved have insisted that we need to enter the church at Easter. My husband and I are both baptised Christians, and we have scheduling difficulties which may make RCIA impossible for me, at least, to attend, and I am not thrilled at having to wait another whole year (at least) to be received. I should start a thread about this.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Interesting. All three of the churches we’ve spoken to about being recieved have insisted that we need to enter the church at Easter. My husband and I are both baptised Christians, and we have scheduling difficulties which may make RCIA impossible for me, at least, to attend, and I am not thrilled at having to wait another whole year (at least) to be received. I should start a thread about this.

I would speak with the Diocese and ask to speak with a member of the RCIA commission.

 

[desertdreamer81]

Interesting. All three of the churches we’ve spoken to about being recieved have insisted that we need to enter the church at Easter. My husband and I are both baptised Christians, and we have scheduling difficulties which may make RCIA impossible for me, at least, to attend, and I am not thrilled at having to wait another whole year (at least) to be received. I should start a thread about this.

Have you mentioned your particular circomstances to the RCIA director and/or priests at the parishes you have researched? I ask because I have a VERY flexible (read as unpredictable) work and home schedule. I entered RCIA and about halfway through began having to miss Sunday dismissals, and a Rite or two due to work.

Finally, I was going to quit and try to enter the Church another year when my schedule forced me to miss the Rite of Calling (Election to the catecumens). The head priest at my parish met with me privately and assure me that if my desire was still to become Catholic, he could work with my schedule.

Then I had to leave Easter Vigil early, before the baptisms even began, let alone confirmation and Euchrist. Since I knew about it on Saterday morning when we were rehearsing for the Vigil, the priest set up a time with me and my sponsor as an alternative, if it was needed, and it was. I became Catholic the monday after Easter at daily mass.

I was able to do this as my priest said that since I was baptized, I could receive my sacraments anytime during the Easter season, just as children in my parish do. However, it was still greatly prefered that I be recieved at the Vigil, if at all possible.

Try to find an understanding priest, so that you will not have to wait an unnecessarily long time to enter the Church. God bless you both.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Have you mentioned your particular circomstances to the RCIA director and/or priests at the parishes you have researched? I ask because I have a VERY flexible (read as unpredictable) work and home schedule. I entered RCIA and about halfway through began having to miss Sunday dismissals, and a Rite or two due to work.

Finally, I was going to quit and try to enter the Church another year when my schedule forced me to miss the Rite of Calling (Election to the catecumens). The head priest at my parish met with me privately and assure me that if my desire was still to become Catholic, he could work with my schedule.

Then I had to leave Easter Vigil early, before the baptisms even began, let alone confirmation and Euchrist. Since I knew about it on Saterday morning when we were rehearsing for the Vigil, the priest set up a time with me and my sponsor as an alternative, if it was needed, and it was. I became Catholic the monday after Easter at daily mass.

I was able to do this as my priest said that since I was baptized, I could receive my sacraments anytime during the Easter season, just as children in my parish do. However, it was still greatly prefered that I be recieved at the Vigil, if at all possible.

Try to find an understanding priest, so that you will not have to wait an unnecessarily long time to enter the Church. God bless you both.

Something we did was to offer a Saturday multi session the last Saturday of each month for those who missed something during the month. Let’s say that you attended the 1st and 4th Wednesday evening catechetical session. But were away on business for the 2nd and 3rd. We would offer the 1st session 9-10, the 2nd session 10-11, (break lunch provided ) the 3rd session 11:30-12:30 and the 4th session 12:30 -1:30. They were compressed sessions, Questions during lunch and after the last session. So if you missed only the 4th you would show up @12:30.

 

[Brian_C]

We did the same thing-offer a once a month makeup session. Another thing to consider is that different parishes can have RCIA at different times.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

However, and many parishes miss this, a baptized non-Catholic who has been practicing his faith, living a Christian life, well instructed in the basics of Christian doctrine, who merely needs initiating into Catholic culture and practice, should not be required to follow the same set curriculum for new Christians, for the same extended time. he can be received into the Church as soon as he is prepared for and makes first confession, understands and accepts the basics of Catholic teaching. He should not be made to wait “for the whole class to graduate” as it were. he should be received during a regular Sunday Mass, but not a solemnity.

Whatever the strengths of the newly (somewhat re-)created RCIA program, one of the biggest drawbacks I see is that, as you mentioned, pastors now tend to throw everyone without distinction into this handy system they now have instead of paying attention to individual knowledge, faith, and integration into Catholic culture.