This article describes the preparatory process leading to the baptismal rite.

The catechumenal process began with first contact, often through witness, teaching, or conversation, leading to introduction into the community with a sponsor’s support. At the rite of entrance, candidates were signed with the cross, given salt, hands laid, and exorcised. As catechumens, they joined the liturgy of the Word but were dismissed before the Eucharist. During Lent, their lives were scrutinised; those proven sincere became the elect, with names inscribed for baptism

The RCIA is founded on the ancient catechumenate. Emerging in the first centuries, it developed into a structured initiation with sponsors, strict moral demands, secrecy, rites, symbols and ceremonies. These inspired awe, ensured conversion, and gave belonging. The Fathers of the Church shaped its growth. Far from new, today’s RCIA is a re-discovery of this treasure, hidden for centuries.

Relationship is a key element in the RCIA. RCIA team, sponsors and godparents must facilitate links to ministries, groups and BECs, while the community must accompany the new converts in their midst.

Mystagogy is the final stage of the RCIA, and is a time for neophytes to deepen their encounter with the Risen Christ, grow in faith, and enter fully into the Church community. It is also a moment for the parish to welcome them and renew its own baptismal commitment.

What is the role of the sponsor in the RCIA, and how does both personal and communal accompaniment reflect the Church’s teaching that “the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptised”

What is the role of a godparent in the Church, especially in the sacraments of Initiation, and how are they called to be “co-workers with parents” in helping the baptised live a Christian life and persevere in the faith?

A study of Church history shows the immense and important contribution of the religious in catechesis. St. John Paul II stated that throughout history, men and women religious have been deeply committed to the catechetical ministry (CT, 65). The Directory for Catechesis (2020) recognises the religious as “among the figures most dedicated to catechetical outreach” (DC, 119).

Catechetical formation is vital for future priests and deacons. Church documents from Vatican II to the 2020 Directory for Catechesis emphasize the need to study the kerygma, Catechism, RCIA, pedagogy, and Church teaching. Priests must be prepared to lead catechesis in the parish effectively and faithfully.

The parish priest, as catechetical leader, ensures the catechetical formation of adults, young people, and children. He must be fully involved, committed, and work with catechists to form the parish community. The parish is the primary place for catechesis, linking liturgy, charity, and teaching. As St. John Paul II urged, let it not be said the faithful are left without catechesis.

Through Holy Orders, priests play a vital role in catechesis. As parish leaders, they teach the faith, guide formation, and ensure that catechesis is rooted in sound doctrine and nourished by the sacraments. Sharing in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king, they are called to be faithful educators and shepherds, helping the baptised grow in their understanding and living out of the Catholic faith.

The importance of collegiality in catechesis, by giving, as an example, the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  

The contribution of bishops from the Second Vatican Council to the publication of the General Catechetical Directory in 1971

The development of the role of the bishop in catechesis from the First Vatican Council to the early 20th century

What is the role of the bishop in catechesis?

What is the Church’s understanding of catechesis in relation to persons with special needs?

In June, 2022, the ‘Catechesis for Learners with Special Needs Ministry’ (CLSN) was established.

Why does the Church call parents the “primary catechists” of their children?

Certain trends are taking place in the world today that are affecting the teaching of the faith to the young.

“Do the MCS books help our children become mature and dedicated Christians?”