This document outlines an overview presentation for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process. It includes an introduction to RCIA, describing it as a weekly process for those interested in the Catholic faith to learn about scripture and teachings. The presentation covers recruitment, the responsibilities of parish members, and sharing reflections in small groups. It emphasizes that RCIA renews parish life through the conversion of both participants and the community supporting them.

2. OPENING SONG AND PRAYER
All are Welcome
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

3. Introduction of the speakers
Followed by Introductions of
each of the participants
ICE BREAKER (game)
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

5. What is the R.C.I.A.?
The R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process
whereby those interested in learning about the Catholic faith come
together on a weekly basis to learn about the scriptures and the
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and at the same time, to
discover where God is present in their lives.
The process is designed for those adults who are:
Unbaptised
Baptised in another tradition
Baptised Catholic, but with no further religious training or sacraments
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

6. The ideal is for there to be an R.C.I.A. process available in every Roman
Catholic parish. Those who want to join an RCIA group should aim to
attend one in the parish where they live.
For those who join an R.C.I.A process it is a period of REFLECTION,
PRAYER, INSTRUCTION, DISCERNMENT, AND FORMATION. On
average the process takes between eight to twelve months, but it can
take up to two years or more.
Those who enter the process are expected to begin attending Holy Mass on
a Sunday, attend a weekly R.C.I.A. session, and to become increasingly
more involved in the activities here at Saint Martha.
The R.C.I.A. process should be overseen throughout every period and step
by the local parish pastor, clergy, and / or religious. However, the week-to-
week running of the process, including the teaching element of it, is
increasingly being undertaken by lay Catholic Catechists.
Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults (RCIA) Overview

7. Introduction of RCIA ministers
2minute sharing of their service in this ministry
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

8. GROUPING
with RCIA ministers in each group
(Each group will have a speaker)
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

9. The people of God, as represented by the local
Church, should understand and show by their
concern that the initiation of adults is the
responsibility of all the baptized.
Therefore the community must always be fully
prepared in the pursuit of its apostolic vocation to
give help to those who are searching for Christ.
(R.C.I.A., Introduction 9)
Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults (RCIA) Overview

10. REFLECTION QUESTIONS
A)What does this passage mean to you?
B)What can you do now where you are,
with what you know, with what you have
to answer the call and fulfill your
apostolic vocation?
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

11. SHARING
Each group will have the chance to share
their thoughts
(Each group will have a speaker)
Please remain with your group
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

12. The United States Bishops have stated that the R.C.I.A. is "renewing
the life of the Church in the United States" and that it must continue
to be a priority in our parishes.
Why is it a priority?
This is a priority precisely because it does (or at least it can) renew parish
life. The R.C.I.A. is a journey of conversion for the person participating in
the initiation process, and by extension it can be a journey of conversion for
the whole parish! The people who come to our Parish doors saying, "I want
to be Catholic," are indeed "seeking" something. What they really seek is
GOD.
That is conversion happens if the parish fully embraces the process of
initiation and open its arms to invite them into this process whereby they
walk the journey of faith with the candidates for initiation to develop,
deepen and enrich their relationship with this loving God.
Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults (RCIA) Overview

13. REFLECTION QUESTIONS
A) If given an opportunity, how will you
evangelize a person inquiring about your
Catholic Faith?
B) How does someone else’s faith journey
affect your own faith journey?
C) What gifts do you have that you can
bring to RCIA?
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

14. SHARING
Each group will have the chance to share
their thoughts
(Each group will have a speaker)
Please remain with your group
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

16. Matthew 28:16-20 “The Commissioning of the Disciples”
*16 The eleven* disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which
Jesus had ordered them.
17* When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
18* Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven
and on earth has been given to me.
19 * Go, therefore,* and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,
20 *teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
* And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults (RCIA) Overview

18. Short reflection on the Reading
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

19. RCIA Talk One July 22, 2013
Extending the Invitation-Come and See
HANDOUT One(1)
How do we get more people in the RCIA? by Nick Wagner
QDo you have any guidelines or suggestions for recruiting
inquirers? we are looking to extend our reach.
A How do we get parishioners to be more active
evangelizers? Catholics are can be a little skittish about
“evangelization.” So it is always important to keep in mind
what we mean by Catholic evangelization.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

20. The Rural Catechumenate, Michael Clay identifies
six characteristics of evangelization that are particularly Catholic.
*1*Catholics make every effort to foster a deep conversion to the Gospel in the one
being evangelized. This means, of course, we must be deeply converted to the Gospel
ourselves and be willing to share it with others.
*2*Catholics don’t proselytize. We invite without manipulating.
*3*Catholics think local cultures are fascinating, especially those we don’t understand
very well. We can always find something in someone else’s culture that is a good
starting point for talking about our faith.
*4*Catholics don’t steal sheep. That is, we don’t try to get people to change Christian
denominations if they are fruitful and happy where they are. Of course, we are always
open to Christians of any denomination who have questions about us or an interest in
us.
*5*We accept people exactly where they are in life, even if their lifestyle is difficult for
us. That’s what Jesus did, and that’s what we do.
*6*Maybe most importantly, we become companions. We listen well, we empathize, we
support, and we are loving toward everyone we encounter.
*****The other is “Invite!“*****
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

21. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Announcements (refreshments right after)
Distribution of the flyers for the next schedule
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

22. CLOSING SONG and PRAYER
We are called
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview

23. Resources FROM the VATICAN
Pope Paul VI’s letter, “On Evangelization in the
Modern World.
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/
documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19751208_evangelii-nuntiandi_en.html
You are free to copy, download these slides and please pray one
Our Father, One Hail Mary and One Glory Be for the intentions of
our Holy Father Francis and for the whole world.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) Overview