Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
General Guidance: If you are a leader of sacramental formation for adults and children, please note that:
- Any requirements placed on sacramental formation at different parishes must be adapted during this time.
- This an opportunity to revise our processes, recall their true spirit, meaning, and goal, and focus on conversion of hearts and our relationship with Christ.
- Therefore, if this year you were not able to present specific chapters or sessions to those preparing for sacraments, this is a great opportunity for post-sacramental catechesis.
Many communities might not be able to gather to celebrate the Triduum this year because of Coronavirus precautions. What does this mean for the RCIA rites of initiation that usually take place at the Easter Vigil? Here at “Team RCIA” is an online resource where you can explore options that the RCIA gives you to adapt your usual practice for this challenging time.
Here are some more recommended resources for those on the RCIA Journey
The weeks prior to Easter are the period of Purification and Enlightenment. Therefore, this is a unique opportunity to allow those on the RCIA journey to enter into a period of more intense spiritual preparation (#138), rather than a time to “learn” new concepts.
This resource is a free, self-paced or virtual group retreat created by Fr. Michael Rubeling, Associate Pastor St. John the Evangelist. It consists of a retreat guide and three recorded talks, approximately 25 minutes in length. If 25 minutes is too long, feel free to listen to half of the conference one day, and the other half on a different day. Since this time in the journey of RCIA is the period of Purification and Enlightenment, this is a great opportunity for those on the RCIA journey to have this spiritual resource. You will find the retreat here.
With the Augustine Institute, we are happy to offer – for free – one of the best online sources for preparation for Sacraments. They have provided us with access to a 40-day free FORMED subscription that you can use for remote sacramental preparation, in addition to faith formation in the home, and the support of your various ministries.
It’s simple. All you need to do is:
- Visit their signup up page at: https://formed.org/signup
- Enter: “Faith at Home Baltimore”
- Click on “Faith at Home Baltimore” in the dropdown menu.
- Enter your name and email.
- You’re in!
The FORMED Leader’s resource page helps you implement their resources into your parish. You can visit their “Faith at Home” page here for additional ideas to use and promote FORMED in your parish.
Once you are logged in, here are some wonderful options to use during this Lenten season:
Lenten Reflections: 24 reflections for Lent; sign up to receive them via email. Each reflection is 3-4 minutes long
https://watch.formed.org/lenten-reflections
Into the Desert: 6 episodes on prayer as a vital relationship with the Lord. Each episode is 28-30 min
https://watch.formed.org/into-the-desert
A Lenten Encounter with Mercy: 5 episodes on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The first 4 episodes are about 30 min; the last episode is 12 min and for children.
The Transforming Power of Confession, A Lent to Remember explores the ways God reaches out to each of us with his mercy. Through Christ’s suffering on the cross in the Paschal Mystery
https://watch.formed.org/a-lent-to-remember
The Bible: God’s Love Letter to Humanity: 34 min video form the Symbolon series
Is the Bible more than just a collection of ancient writings, more than simply an important historical document for us to appreciate and then dismiss? Is it possible that God reveals his truth to us through Sacred Scripture? If so, what does that really mean for our faith?
https://watch.formed.org/videos/the-bible-god-s-love-letter-to-humanity
Rite of Christian Initiation of Teens
The Kind of People He Invites: 12 min video – a witness talk about what it means to be a disciple, followed with reflections questions.
https://watch.formed.org/ydisciple/season:1/videos/the-kind-of-people-he-invites
We are here for you. If you have any questions, concerns, or support, please do not hesitate to contact:
Ximena DeBroeck, STL, PhD, Director, Division of Catechetical and Pastoral Formation
410-547-5470
ximena.debroeck@archbalt.org