The Important Elements of the RCIA
- a gradual unfolding of the mysteries of the faith, punctuated by moments of grace;
- an organic and systematic presentation of the faith;
- a liturgical, pastoral, and catechetical experience;
- intimately involving the parish community; and
- deeply kerygmatic (involving the proclamation of the Gospel) and Christocentric (having Christ at the center).
How We Can Help
- RCIA Team Training: We can conduct half-day, full-day, or multiple-day formation retreats for your RCIA team, where they will learn more about what the RCIA is and how it can be effectively implemented in a parish.
- Training on “How to Get 1-on-1” and “How to Lead a Small Group”: RCIA sessions often involve breaking into small groups to discuss what was presented. Sponsors and RCIA team members often also find themselves in important 1-on-1 conversations with candidates and catechumens. We can train you in how to perfect these encounters.
- Sponsor Training: Sponsors have a unique role to play in the lives of catechumens. We can prepare them for this role.
- Creating a Topical Calendar: If the RCIA is supposed to proceed gradually, organically, and systematically, then the topics you present and when you present them is very important. We can help you put a calendar of topics together that will allow your candidates and catechumens to get the most out of each stage of the RCIA process.
- Training on Catechetical Methodology: We can train your RCIA team on methods of teaching that will empower them to teach the faith in a dynamic way that facilitates conversion.
RCIA Resources
Here you will find resources and documents that will assist you with the catechetical and evangelistic aspects of Christian Initiation. For questions about the liturgies and rites of the process, see the Office for Divine Worship and Sacraments.
- RCIA
RCIA
Title | Description | Download |
---|---|---|
Themes for Sunday's Readings Year C | Possible doctrinal topics for Liturgically-based catechesis Year C | DownloadPreview |
Themes for Sunday's Readings Year B | Possible doctrinal topics for Liturgically-based catechesis Year B | DownloadPreview |
Themes for Sunday's Readings Year A | Possible doctrinal topics for Liturgically-based catechesis Year A | DownloadPreview |
The Initiation of Children of Catechetical Age | This document offers parish initiation ministers further insights and ideas gained from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as adapted for children. | DownloadPreview |
Patoral Considerations for Christian Initiation | Document explaining the parish implementation of Christian Initiation | DownloadPreview |
Ministries in the Parish Christian Initiation Process | The journey to conversion and full incorporation into the Body of Christ is multi-dimensional and requires the active support and ministration of the entire community as well as particular ministers. | DownloadPreview |
Marriage and Christian Initiation | This document explains the formal nullity process which needs to be completed prior to celebrating any of the formal rites of the Church. | DownloadPreview |
How to Honor the Baptism of Candidates | This document explains how to recognize and celebrate the efficacy of the baptism of candidates seeking full communion in the Catholic Church. | DownloadPreview |
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Journey From Pre-Trust to Initial Conversion The goal of Phase 3 of Beacons of Light is for Families of Parishes to begin to build an ecclesial culture that will […]
Cincinnati, Ohio 4549
1:30-2:30pm ONLINE Oct 29, Dec 4, Jan 15, Feb 27 Join us for a series of online gatherings on different aspects of Christian initiation for parish ministry leaders. Each will […]
A retreat by evangelists, for evangelists! Join us for a one-night, two-day retreat to relax and recharge. Reignite includes time for rest (literally, there’s a nap time), reflection, prayer, socializing, […]
CONTACT US
Nicholas Hardesty
Contact me for:
- Guidance for evangelization efforts
- Formation of parish staff and volunteer leaders
- Renewal of your Adult Ed initiatives
Bio: As a member of the Parish Support Team, my job is to accompany parish leaders and offer them formation and support so that they can grow in their identity as missionary disciples and be catalysts for renewal in their parishes. I also develop content for our blog and for the Catholic Telegraph, and give talks at retreats, conferences, workshops, and in-service days throughout the Archdiocese. What I love about my work is that I am encouraged to use the gifts God gave me, I get to have a real impact in people’s lives, and I get to work alongside people who value and support me.
A Little About Me: I’m from Owensboro, Kentucky (Go Cats!). I have a twin brother who is a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY. I met my wife, who’s from Maine, on a website for fans of Catholic Hip Hop. I like my food as spicy as you can possibly make it.
Favorite Saint: St. Michael the Archangel
Favorite Bible Verse: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.” (1 Pet 2:9-10)