This is the last in a series of posts on the RCIA’s six keys to making lifelong disciples. If you missed the last post in this series, click here to read it. As a reminder, the six keys are:
- The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process
- that takes place within the community of the faithful.
- By joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery
- and by renewing their own conversion, the faithful provide an example that will help the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously.
- The rite of initiation is suited to a spiritual journey of adults
- that varies according to: the many forms of God’s grace, the free cooperation of the individuals, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place.
As you read through these six keys and as you read over what we said about them, you might be thinking that this is all great for the unbaptized seekers. But what about the baptized candidates?
The faith formation guide for everyone
Well, the amazing thing about these six principles is that they apply to all types of faith formation. The way that they are phrased in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults obviously applies to those who are seeking initiation. That’s who a rite of initiation is supposed to focus on. But with a little careful reading, we can see that these six keys for discipleship also apply to baptized candidates who want to become Catholic. And they apply to parents who bring their infants for baptism. And they apply to engaged couples seeking to get married. They apply to all those who are seeking a deeper relationship with Christ.
The church teaches that the formation process we find in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the model for all kinds of formation. Specifically, the General Directory for Catechesis says:
The model for all catechesis is the baptismal catechumenate when, by specific formation, an adult converted to belief is brought to explicit profession of baptismal faith during the Paschal Vigil. This catechumenal formation should inspire the other forms of catechesis in both their objectives and in their dynamism. (59)
Strictly speaking, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is not for the baptized candidates. As the name of the rite tells us, this is a process of initiation. Those who are baptized are already initiated, and any catechesis we provide for them is post-initiation or post-baptismal catechesis. If that’s true, then, why do so many baptized people wind up in our RCIA processes?
Those who are baptized are already initiated, and any catechesis we provide for them is post-initiation or post-baptismal catechesis. If that’s true, then, why do so many baptized people wind up in our RCIA processes?
Three reasons baptized candidates get treated like catechumens
There are at least three reasons, I think. The first is that most of our parishes do not have viable post-baptismal adult faith formation processes. So when a Christian expresses a desire to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church, the only viable adult faith formation process that exists in many parishes is the catechumenate.
The second reason is connected. Despite more than 50 years of ecumenical development, many of us Catholics do not completely accept the full implications of baptisms that take place outside the Catholic Church. When a Lutheran or a Methodist expresses a desire to become Catholic, we tend to think of that person as more like the unbaptized seeker rather than like our Catholic parishioners. Both the Christian and the unbaptized seeker want to “become Catholic,” so we tend to lump them together. However, this is contrary to what the church teaches.
Those who have already been baptized in another Church or ecclesial community should not be treated as catechumens or so designated. Their doctrinal and spiritual preparation for reception into full Catholic communion should be determined according to the individual case, that is, it should depend on the extent to which the baptized person has led a Christian life within a community of faith and been appropriately catechized to deepen his or her inner adherence to the Church. (National Statutes for the Catechumenate, 30)
The third reason is that some of the baptized were never taught how to live as Christians. We believe that a person who was baptized as an infant, yet never raised in the faith, is still a full member of the Body of Christ. That person’s baptism is just a real as yours or mine. However, that person is unable to contribute to the mission of the church because he or she has never been taught how. For that kind of Christian, some elements of the catechumenate process will help form him or her in living as a Christian.
Those who have been baptized but have relatively little Christian upbringing may participate in the elements of catechumenal formation so far as necessary and appropriate, but should not take part in rites intended for the unbaptized catechumens. (National Statutes for the Catechumenate, 31)
Are you confusing your baptized candidates?
No matter how much or how little Christian upbringing the person has had, however, the baptized person’s catechesis is always post-baptismal. That means we can never confuse the formation of those preparing for baptism with the formation of those whose formation is focused on living out the baptism they have already received.
We can provide a post-baptismal catechesis by using the RCIA as a guide without either making all the baptized people go through an entire RCIA process or recreating a kind of imitation RCIA for baptized people.
Post-baptismal catechesis, without slavishly imitating the structure of the baptismal catechumenate, and recognizing in those to be catechized the reality of their Baptism, does well, however, to draw inspiration from “this preparatory school for the Christian life,” and to allow itself to be enriched by those principal elements which characterize the catechumenate. (General Directory for Catechesis, 91)
Note that last line. Post-baptismal catechesis will be enriched by the principle elements of the catechumenate. What are the principle elements? They are the six keys listed in RCIA 4-5:
- The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process
- that takes place within the community of the faithful.
- By joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery
- and by renewing their own conversion, the faithful provide an example that will help the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously.
- The rite of initiation is suited to a spiritual journey of adults
- that varies according to: the many forms of God’s grace, the free cooperation of the individuals, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place.
So then, without slavishly imitating the catechumenate, an effective post-baptismal catechesis for baptized Christians who want to become Catholic will be gradual in nature, located in the midst of the parish community, focused on the paschal mystery, oriented toward ongoing conversion to the Person of Jesus Christ, and suited to the varied spiritual journey of each adult who is seeking formation.
If we take these principles seriously, the formation journey for baptized Christians cannot possibly be the same as the journey for the unbaptized seekers. However, we can all accompany each other on the journey of faith, each of us exercising the gifts we have been given to fulfill the missionary mandate given to us by Jesus.
Share your thoughts
How do you incorporate baptized Christians into your parish adult faith formation processes? Do you put all of them in the RCIA with the catechumens? Do you have a separate process? Or something in between?
Nick,
Question about the following wording:
Strictly speaking, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is not for the baptized candidates. As the name of the rite tells us, this is a process of initiation. Those who are baptized are already initiated, and any catechesis we provide for them is post-initiation or post-baptismal catechesis. If that’s true, then, why do so many baptized people wind up in our RCIA processes?
BUT, if one is only baptized that person is not “fully initiated”.
They still need Holy Communion and Confirmation.
I think that is part of the rationale of having them participate with much of the regular RCIA program.
I admit, however, that there is that need of working with people where they are … church-goers vs baptized at birth and virtually no church experience.
In our Detroit parish, Corpus Christi, we usually have small numbers of people wishing to become Catholic … annually about two to four people. They are almost always Christians of other denominations with a variety of church-going experiences.
Hi Dcn Paul. Most of the Protestants who wind up in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults are not seeking initiation into Christianity. They are seeking reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Because most of our parishes do not have a formation process dedicated to seekers with that need, we end up putting them in the formation process for catechumens (RCIA). However, the U.S. Bishops have written that this is not the appropriate place for them. See paragraphs 30-31 of the National Statutes for the Catechumenate.
Also, this article may be helpful: https://teaminitiation.com/2016/05/should-we-stop-calling-ourselves-rcia-teams/
Great article. Your list of reasons why the Baptized are treated like Catechumens are, from my experience, spot-on! And your point at the conclusion (“we can all accompany each other on the journey of faith”) is the way forward for many parishes that lack the resources to develop a separate process for each group.
First is a general change in mind-set. We need to step away from the methods of “teaching” Catholicism (with a set curriculum and lesson plans on the highlights of the Catholic faith) and move toward a method of “practicing” Catholicism. This practice is embedded in the Mass and using the weekly readings as your guide to general adult catechesis. Reading and unpacking the weekly reading is good practice regardless of the candidate’s state (Baptized Catholic, Baptized Christian, or un-baptized).
This change in method also means changing from a “cohort” mentality with your group, and moving to an “individualized” approach. Taking the time to sit with each candidate, not just at inquiry, but periodically along their journey. Assessing their needs, and together determining how long they may need to stay in the process. And explaining to them and the group that everyone is on a different path. A full RCIA candidate my be in for the full two years, but a well catechized Christian may not need that much time. An adult Confirmation candidate my only need a few months, but a Baptized Catholic who hasn’t yet received Eucharist may need something longer depending on their experience. Full disclosure up front and during periodic interviews eliminates that awkward situation that can come closer to Easter when some will be Baptized at the Vigil, and others initiated at a different liturgy or next year.
During our weekly sessions we spend the first hour on the coming Sunday’s readings. We then spend the second hour on related supplementary topics (for instance, readings on Baptism might roll into a discussion on the Sacrament of Baptism). Candidates, no mater what level they’re at, can now go into Sunday Mass armed with an understanding of the readings that can be complemented and supplemented by the homily. These are valuable experiences regardless of a person’s baptismal state.
Making these changes can be difficult, and they won’t nor shouldn’t happen overnight. But if our parish can evolve our process successfully then anyone can.
I’d love to hear a few ideas of successes with differentiating this formation process. I am new to RCIA, and I can use all the experienced advice I can get!
Hi Kathleen. See John McGlynn’s comment above!
Recently returned to practicing my Christian faith as Catholic. Having been baptized in infancy, Catholic School ed. for 8 years. First Holy Comunion in 1st grade, Confirmation in 6th grade,it was recommended that I attend RCIA in my parish. Throughout Advent & Lent I did so. I believe it was helpful, but found the “curriculum” plan somewhat rigid & lacking in the JOY OF THE LORD. Made me a little sad for the Church I so loved even during the period of 20 yrs I adjourned with another Christian community. In my 20’s & early 30’s I was a contemplative nun in Solemn Vows. My community underwent a chaotic time during& post Vat.II, and dissolved with some nuns going to other monasteries, & some returning to secular life. I was one of the latter. I tried to live my professed commitment, became educated, teaching, nursing. During my early 50’s, I was led to practice my faith (committed to prayer, contemplation & biblical study). I missed my Catholic community of faith, & sought to return to it. I am 75 y.o. I find many “converts” in my parish, many of whom are in lay leadership positions. The parish is actively becoming a Christian community, & have been welcoming to me, helpful. During my time away in an evangelical protestant community, I cam closer to Our Lord than ever, through His Holy Word. To sum up, I agree that RCIA for unbaptized & “candidates” should be a separate tract, & for others such as myself, an individual pastoral approach. I found that using such high-minded tees such a mystagogy & such are probably confusing & create a heavy overlay to the truth & joy of the Gospel & the story of salvation. I think a more prayerful rather than didactic approach to bringing souls into the fold would be helpful. Thanks for allowing me to get this off my chest.