Archive for the ‘Candidates’ Category

This is the fifth in a series of articles on the places, postures, and gestures in the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. One of the exciting things about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is it’s exhortation that we … Continue reading →

This is the second in a series of articles on the places, postures, and gestures in the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. In the year 756, Justus and Johanna brought their newborn son, Primus, to the cathedral in Avignon, France, … Continue reading →

This is the third in a series of articles on the places, postures, and gestures in the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. The signing of the candidates with the cross is one of the most visually dramatic elements of the … Continue reading →

This is the fourth in a series of articles on the places, postures, and gestures in the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. The first placement of the candidates in the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates is at the Greeting (RCIA … Continue reading →

When unbaptized inquirers take the first formal step on their initiation journey, we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens with them. The celebration of that rite changes their status within the community. When baptized inquirers are … Continue reading →

Here is a quote that might surprise you: If the eucharist is to be celebrated, the catechumens are normally dismissed at this point…. Why is that surprising, you might wonder. Isn’t it normal to dismiss catechumens before the Eucharist? It … Continue reading →

What would you say if I told you that most people who are in the RCIA do not belong there? I’ve had this feeling for a while, and it just keeps getting stronger. For most of us, the majority of … Continue reading →

One of the things I love about the catechumenate is the sense of community that happens within the formation group. The team bonds more closely together, inquirers take that “leap of faith” together in the Rite of Acceptance, baptized candidates … Continue reading →

Can I get your thoughts on what the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults means by uncatechized? We get a lot of questions about the rites that arise from differing understandings of what we mean by this term. For example, … Continue reading →

What would be the requirements for one of our inquirers to become a Catholic? Would she have to go through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)? She was baptized, received first Communion, and was confirmed as a Lutheran. … Continue reading →