GETTING TO KNOW THE RCIA (33)

In the last article, I discussed the restoration of the adult catechumenate in the Catholic Church. Today, the catechumenal process of initiating adults into the Church is known as the RCIA which is the acronym for “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”. Through the process, an adult who is interested in becoming a member of the Church is helped and guided in making this commitment through a series of liturgical rites and formation sessions with the support and prayers of the members of the Christian community, especially in the parish. In this article, I wish to explore further the RCIA process using a question-and-answer approach.

What does the term ‘initiation’ mean?

In its general sense, ‘initiation’ is synonymous with the Latin term, initium, that is, “beginning”, “training” or “instructing”. It indicates a period of training or mentoring in which an apprentice or a novice is helped to acquire a certain skill, trade or service. In its restricted sense, initiation means, “to enter into” (from the Latin term, in-ire). It indicates the entrance of an individual or individuals into a religious or social group, a tribe or secret organisation. This is usually done through the celebration of rituals, ceremonies or traditions. In the case of the RCIA, the term ‘initiation’ means “to enter” into the Catholic Church.

What does the term ‘rite’ mean?

Most initiation processes involve the celebration of rites or rituals. A rite or ritual is a formal act or ceremony which can be religious, cultural or social in nature. These are held to mark the beginning or an important stage or the conclusion of the initiation process. The celebration of these rites usually involves members of the community. In the RCIA, there are a number of liturgical rites which are held to mark important stages of the initiation process., and which are celebrated in the presence of the parish community.

What does the term ‘liturgical’ mean?

The term ‘liturgical’ comes from the word ‘liturgy’. Liturgy is an important part of the life of the Catholic Church. The word originally meant a “public work” or a service done in the name of or on behalf of the people. In the Church, it means the participation of the People of God, that is, the Christian community, in the “work of God”. It takes place when Catholics gather to pray, celebrate and worship God. It is considered the highest point of the activity of the Church. The most important form of liturgy is the celebration of Holy Eucharist. Usually, the liturgical rites of the RCIA take place during the celebration of the Holy Mass.

What does the term ‘catechumenate’ mean?

The term ‘catechumenate’ originates from an ancient Christian word, which comes from the Greek verb katechein, which means “to resound”, “to echo” or “to hand down”. The word implies an “oral instruction” or “oral reechoing” usually understood as a verbal teaching or exhortation to live a moral life. The term is also related to the process or activity of ‘re-echoing’ or re-telling the story of the Christian faith that has been handed down from generation to generation to the candidates. It is from the word katechein that we have terms, such as, catechumens, catechumenate, catechesis and catechist.

How were adults initiated into the Church before the RCIA?

Before the RCIA, there was no formal process for initiating adults. Adults interested in becoming Catholics were usually given religious instructions in private by the parish priest or a person delegated by him. When the priest felt the individual was ‘ready’, a day and time would be set for his or her baptism. The individual was baptised in a ceremony (not during the Mass) where only the godparent, close family members or friends may be present. After that, the individual was expected to integrate into the community.

How is the RCIA different?

With the introduction of the RCIA, the whole parish community is now called to take responsibility for the initiation of its new members. The parish priest would delegate a group of parish members known as ‘RCIA facilitators’ to share in the task of teaching the faith and in guiding the candidates, who would also be supported by their sponsors and godparents. Furthermore, unlike in the past where the initiation rites were celebrated in a private ceremony isolated from the rest of the community, these now occur within the community during the celebration of the Eucharist. As such, the parish community celebrates the rites with the candidates, prays and supports them, and welcomes them into the Church.

How long does the RCIA process take?

The duration can vary according to regions and countries upon the discretion of the bishops. In Malaysia, the process may take about nine months that is, beginning in the month of June or July and concluding sometime in April the following year. Through the rites of initiation, the Church ‘conceives’ and gives “birth” to new members through the RCIA. By her preaching and through the Sacrament of Baptism, the Church as Mother brings forth “to a new and immortal life, children who are conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of God.”

Why does the RCIA take so long?

The goal of the RCIA is not only to help someone become a Catholic. It is not about a person ‘converting’ from one religion or belief to Catholicism. At the very heart of the RCIA is ‘conversion’. Conversion is about a change of life, that is, the turning of the whole person – mind, body and soul - towards Jesus Christ. Throughout the entire RCIA process, the individual is guided towards turning away from an ‘old’ way of believing, thinking and living, to a ‘new’ way which is focused on becoming a true follower of Jesus Christ and a member of the Catholic Church. It is important to realise that conversion does not happen ‘over-night’ nor can it be determined or fixed by a time limit. In other words, ‘conversion’ cannot be programmed.

What is the main aim of RCIA?

Unlike in some non-Catholic churches, where an individual can become a member over a very short period of time, for the Catholic Church, the RCIA aims to help the candidate come to know Jesus and to have a deep relationship with Him and also to know what it means to be a Catholic. After all, it takes time to build a relationship or to become a member of a new group or community. In the same way, having a relationship with God and becoming a member of the Church also takes time. It calls for the candidate to hear God’s word, know and grow in the Catholic Faith, experience conversion and be spiritually strengthened. This is so that when the moment comes for him or her to make the decision to become a Catholic, he or she will do so willingly, knowingly and wholeheartedly.

Is the RCIA a programme?

By its nature, the RCIA should not be considered a programme. A programme has a fixed length of time and a specific course of studies with a pre-determined goal. Initiation into the Catholic Church is not about being concerned about fulfilling a goal or a time limit. Instead, it is aimed in helping the candidate grow in his or her relationship with Christ and the knowledge of the beliefs and values of the Christian way of life. Through the different stages of the RCIA, each of which serve as a key point or doorway, the individual gradually progresses towards experiencing ‘conversion’ and to a greater awareness and commitment to Christian discipleship. Therefore, the RCIA should be viewed more as a journey of faith rather than a programme.

Conclusion

The RCIA is an important development in the Church. Therefore, it is essential that all members of the Church understand its significance and become involved in the catechumenal process. In the next article I will explore the nature and structure of the RCIA.