CATHOLIC EVANGELIZATION COMMISSION

EV-1 Disciples in Mission
EV-2 Ministry of Welcome to New Parishioners
EV-3 R.C.I.A

EV-3
Ministry Profile
 
 
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
 
 
I. MISSION STATEMENT (brief statement of purpose)
 
The MISSION of the RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS is to lead catechumens and candidates on a faith journey which takes place within the community of the faithful and which is celebrated with the parish community in a series of liturgical rites.
 
II. GOAL (“end-product” …desired outcome for those to whom ministry is directed)
 
The GOAL of the RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS is for catechumens and candidates “to consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion, as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts” (Roman Ritual: RCIA). The goal is also directed to the community of the faithful who are to renew their own conversion & sense of discipleship, thus providing support and example to catechumens and candidates as they prepare for the Easter sacraments.
 
III. OBJECTIVES (corollaries, strategies, priorities flowing from mission and goal)
1. To establish a coordinating team for implementation of mission and goal, leadership succession, and representation on the commission
2. To recruit and form a group of parishioners to lead the pre-catechumenate and catechumenate and act as catechists, scripture mentors, parish sponsors and helpers for tasks pertaining to R.C.I.A.
3. To collaborate with other parish ministries in developing strategies to recruit potential catechumens, sponsors and team members.
4. To lead inquirers through three major steps in the faith process: 1st step, Desire to become a Catholic Christian and being accepted into the catechumenate (rite of acceptance)..2nd step, Being accepted at beginning of lent to prepare for sacraments of initiation (rite of election)..3rd step, Receiving sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist)
5. To guide the four continuous periods: Precatechumenate: inquiry & first formal proclaiming of the gospel ... Catechumenate: catechesis of core aspects of Catholic faith tradition around Sunday cycle of Word... Purification & Enlightenment: intense spiritual preparation during lent with celebration of scrutinies & presentations ... Mystagogy: Easter season catechesis for fuller understanding of sacramentalilty of core “mysteries of faith” and ways of Christian discipleship.
6. Using the cycle of Sunday readings as a framework, to explore Catholic faith tradition, including basics
from scripture, catechetics, spirituality, ecclesiology, church history, liturgy, discipleship, social and personal morality.
 
IV. SERVICES (programs, actions, projects)
1. Conducting the four periods of the R.C.I.A. process. 2. Conducting evenings of recollection and discernment to facilitate moving into new steps.
3. Collaborating with Liturgical Planning and Celebration Ministry in preparing and assisting the celebration of R.C.I.A. liturgical rites.
4. Formation programs for parish sponsors, catechists and other team members.