WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE RCIA? (39)

Introduction

In the last article, I stated that the Christian community is mainly responsible for the Rite of Christian of Adults (RCIA). In this article, I will examine briefly the role of the community in the initiation process.

The community as mentor

An examination of the RCIA shows that the relationship between the community and those seeking initiation into the Church is likened to that of a mentor and an apprentice. Community members, by their words and actions, are to mentor catechumens towards Christian growth and maturity, while catechumens are to learn from them to become disciples of Christ. This is in line with the directive of the Second Vatican Council that states, “… the catechumenate is not a mere expounding of doctrine and precepts, but a training period for the whole Christian life. It is an apprenticeship of appropriate length, during which disciples are joined to Christ their Teacher” (Ad gentes, 14).

Mentorship through four ecclesial actions

The mentorship role of the community is done in four ways, known as the four ecclesial actions. These actions are described in RCIA, paragraphs 75:1-4. Basically, community members are to transmit the Catholic Faith to the catechumens, help them participate actively and consciously in the liturgy, integrate them into the community and to inspire to become involved service to others. These actions are considered essential and complementary to one another. 

Transmission of the Faith

The Christian community mentors the catechumens when it provides them with catechetical or doctrinal formation. The RCIA states that a ‘suitable catechesis’ is to be given by priests or deacons, catechists and others of the faithful. It will help the catechumens have a systematic and holistic understanding of the Faith, especially on the Bible, Sacred Tradition, the Creed, Church, Liturgy and the Sacraments, Morals and Prayer and others.

Integration into the community

Mentorship also occurs when the baptised help catechumens integrate and become part of the community. According to A. Kavanagh, a liturgical expert, catechumens are formed by those “who know well the cost and advantages of a Christian way of life”. Community members can help catechumens “learn to turn more readily to God in prayer, to bear witness to the faith, in all things to keep their faith set on Christ, to follow supernatural inspiration in their deeds, and to practice love of neighbor, even at the cost of self-renunciation” (RCIA, 75:2).

Participation in the liturgy

Community members can mentor catechumens by ensuring their regular active and conscious participation in public prayer and worship, as well as, help ease them gently and gradually into a sacramental way of life. In this way, the catechumens are introduced into the celebration of the Mass and other liturgical rites (RCIA, 75:3).

Involvement in apostolic service

Another way members of the community can play the mentorship role is by helping catechumens become aware of the importance of serving others or by becoming involved in some form of service or apostolic work. RCIA states that “since the Church’s life is apostolic, catechumens should also learn how to work actively with others to spread the Gospels and build up the Church by witnessing and professing their faith” (RCIA, 75:4).

Continuing the vision of the early Church

The four ecclesial actions of the Christian reflect the key dimensions of the life of the Church. These dimensions have existed in the Church from her beginning. This is best illustrated in the passage found in the Acts of the Apostles:

They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers … All who believed were together and had things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divided among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They have their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved (Acts. 2:42-47).

Therefore, the early Church was already exercising the actions of transmitting the Faith (the teaching of the apostles), building community (communal life) celebrating the Eucharist and praying together, and sharing what they have with those in need. These actions, as a whole, distinguished the Christian community from other groups and communities around them. Through these actions, the community attracted new believers to Christ. It shows that it was the members of the community who took responsibility for the initiation process. They welcomed, evangelised, catechised, worshipped with and integrated new members into the Church, as well as, inspired them to apostolic service.

Vision of the post-Vatican II Church

In the contemporary Church, the four actions are still regarded as essential since through them, new members are initiated and older ones are continually recommitting themselves to the baptismal call to holiness and mission. In carrying out the actions, community members share the same spiritual and sacramental journey that the catechumens undergo. In doing so, they experience renewal and conversion. The General Catechetical Directory (GCD) highlights this point:

“The catechumenate for adults is at one and the same time catechesis, participation in the liturgy and life of the community. It is thus a clear example of an institution born of collaboration between different pastoral activities. Its purpose is to direct the spirit journey of people who are preparing for baptism and to direct their change of mentality and mores. It is a preparatory school of Christian life, an introduction to the religious, liturgical, charitable and apostolic life of the People of God” (GDC, 598).

Conclusion

The mentoring role of the community in the RCIA is important because helps its members not only to initiate people into the Church but also to become aware that they themselves are to live their faith more sincerely and dynamically. Therefore, the RCIA the process is not a ‘one-sided affair’ where the Christian community ‘gives’, and the catechumens merely ‘receive’. It is process that is mutually beneficial both to the community and catechumens. At the same time, it emphasises that the responsibility of the initiation process is not limited to a few, but to all the baptised.