Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
In the sacraments of Christian initiation we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ's death, burial and resurrection. We receive the Spirit of filial adoption and are part of the entire people of God in the celebration of the memorial of the Lord's death and resurrection.
- Christian Initiation, General Introduction, 1
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the typical way adults come into the Church. For those who have not been baptized in another Christian church, this process is meant to form them into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher. This includes an initiation into the mystery of salvation, the practice of faith, hope, and love, and other virtues in a succession of liturgical rites.
Those baptized into another Christian church and now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are also welcomed to participate along with catechumens in the RCIA in the process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith. For a baptized Christian, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church involves reception of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and then a Profession of Faith followed by the celebration of Confirmation and the Eucharist.
In the Diocese of Evansville, the offices of Catechesis and Worship share in the task of assisting parishes in their own RCIA processes. The offices are aided in this by a diocesan committee made up of representatives from the deaneries.
- Christian Initiation, General Introduction, 1
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the typical way adults come into the Church. For those who have not been baptized in another Christian church, this process is meant to form them into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher. This includes an initiation into the mystery of salvation, the practice of faith, hope, and love, and other virtues in a succession of liturgical rites.
Those baptized into another Christian church and now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are also welcomed to participate along with catechumens in the RCIA in the process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith. For a baptized Christian, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church involves reception of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and then a Profession of Faith followed by the celebration of Confirmation and the Eucharist.
In the Diocese of Evansville, the offices of Catechesis and Worship share in the task of assisting parishes in their own RCIA processes. The offices are aided in this by a diocesan committee made up of representatives from the deaneries.
Downloadable Resources
NEW- Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion Resource Booklet (2024)
This booklet provides the information needed for parishes to prepare to celebrate the diocesan Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion.
This booklet provides the information needed for parishes to prepare to celebrate the diocesan Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion.
Resources for RCIA Leaders
Virtual Workshops for RCIA
The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commisions (FDLC), in collaboration with Liturgy Training Publications (LTP), has produced a series of virtual workshops which explore the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults—its vision, rich theology, pastoral directives, and authentic celebration. Designed for both the experienced minister and the novice RCIA team member, all workshops are developed by FDLC members and presented by leaders in the field of Christian initiation. In addition, each workshop included handouts and discussion questions for follow-up sessions.
The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commisions (FDLC), in collaboration with Liturgy Training Publications (LTP), has produced a series of virtual workshops which explore the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults—its vision, rich theology, pastoral directives, and authentic celebration. Designed for both the experienced minister and the novice RCIA team member, all workshops are developed by FDLC members and presented by leaders in the field of Christian initiation. In addition, each workshop included handouts and discussion questions for follow-up sessions.
The Baptized and the RCIA
This outline addresses address some of the more common concerns regarding the proper participation of the baptized non-Catholics in the RCIA.
This outline addresses address some of the more common concerns regarding the proper participation of the baptized non-Catholics in the RCIA.
The Scrutinies and Lent
This resource from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois provides guidance as to navigating the ritual needs for the Scrutinies and the Period of Purification and Enlightenment.
This resource from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois provides guidance as to navigating the ritual needs for the Scrutinies and the Period of Purification and Enlightenment.