When we think about rites for baptized candidates who want to either complete their initiation or be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church, we tend to think of the optional rites in Part II of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. These rites somewhat echo the rites for unbaptized catechumens.

While these optional rites can sometimes be helpful, they are not the primary rites for the formation of baptized candidates.

Members of the faithful

Since the baptized candidates are already baptized, we cannot think of their preparatory rites in the same way we think of the rites for the catechumens. Instead of considering baptized candidates as being on a parallel track with catechumens—and celebrating rites with them that resemble those for catechumens—we should regard them as much more like members of the faithful. Because, in fact, that is who they are. They are part of the order of the baptized priesthood.

If we use this as our guideline, then it becomes clear that the primary rite of formation for baptized candidates is the Sunday Eucharist, just as it is for you and me.

If that’s true, then what are the rites in Part II, Chapter V for?

We can get at clue at paragraph 411 of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults:

OPTIONAL RITES

FOR BAPTIZED BUT UNCATECHIZED ADULTS

A. RITE OF WELCOMING THE CANDIDATES

411. This optional rite welcomes baptized but uncatechized adults who are seeking to complete their Christian Initiation through the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist or to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church

Note two things here. First, the Rite of Welcoming Candidates (and all of the following rites for the baptized) is optional. Second, these optional rites, if used, are only to be used with uncatechized candidates.

We should regard baptized candidates as much more like members of the faithful. Because, in fact, that is who they are. They are part of the order of the baptized priesthood.

Who is already catechized?

How do we know if they are uncatechized? For the purpose of celebrating these particular rites, if a candidate has received even minimal catechesis, we cannot consider them to be completely uncatechized. So, for example, if they have celebrated first communion as a child or participated in vacation Bible school or if they know the Lord’s Prayer or the Creed by heart, they are not completely uncatechized. Therefore, they would not celebrate these optional rites.

For more insight into this, consider the purpose of the rites for the unbaptized, which the optional rites for the baptized parallel. The rites for the unbaptized are intended to build upon a seeker’s first encounter with Jesus and complete their conversion. A baptized seeker who has celebrated first communion (or a Protestant equivalent) already has a relationship with Jesus, even if it is weak and immature.

So for a baptized seeker who is weakly catechized (but not completely uncatechized), we would celebrate rites and offer devotional practices that we would celebrate with Catholics.

The Sunday Eucharist would be the premier rite during their formation process. We might also celebrate:

• The rite of reconciliation
• Blessings from the Book of Blessings
• Liturgy of the Word services
• Morning and Evening Prayer
• Daily recitation of the Lord’s Prayer
• Prayer before meals
• Prayer before bed
• The Rosary
• Adoration

We could, of course, celebrate all of these with the baptized uncatechized candidates. But since these seekers may have no conscious relationship with Jesus, the Optional Rites for Baptized but Uncatechized Adults might help make their conversion more present to them. Or they might not. Each person’s faith journey is different, and you will need to discern individually the appropriateness of these rites for your uncatechized seekers.

Unlike the rites for the unbaptized, which signify a change in status within the community, the rites for baptized candidates do not alter their fundamental standing as members of the Christian faithful. So for your uncatechized seekers, even if they are not aware of their status, they are already members of the baptized priesthood and should never be treated as catechumens.

Reception into full communion

For candidates who were baptized outside of the Catholic tradition, the culmination of their formation process will be the Order of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church of Those Already Validly Baptized (OCIA 473-498).

This rite normally takes place during a Sunday Mass and has four main parts:

• Liturgy of the Word
• Celebration of Reception (including a profession of faith)
• Celebration of Confirmation
• Celebration of Eucharist

This rite marks the seekers’ official entry into full communion with Catholic Church. This rite should be celebrated separately from the Easter Vigil, where catechumens celebrate the sacraments of initiation. This distinction underscores the different nature of their journeys and avoids equating baptized candidates with those who are newly entering the Christian faith.

Note that in most dioceses, the priests of the diocese are authorized by their bishop to receive baptized non-Catholic seekers into full communion. That automatically means they are authorized to confirm those seekers in the celebration of the rite.

For seekers who were baptized Catholic but have not completed their initiation by celebrating confirmation and Eucharist, the culmination of their journey will be the celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Confirmation and Eucharist

For seekers who were baptized Catholic but have not completed their initiation by celebrating confirmation and Eucharist, the culmination of their journey will be the celebration of these two sacraments. Normally, this will be a celebration with the bishop. A priest is not automatically authorized to confirm someone who was baptized Catholic.

Some bishops have given a blanket delegation to the priests of their diocese to confirm Catholics at the Easter Vigil or during the Easter season, so check with your diocesan office. Personally, however, I would avoid celebrating confirmation and eucharist with Catholics at the Easter Vigil for the same reason as above. We want to underscore the different nature of the journey of the baptized and avoid equating baptized candidates with catechumens.

Confirmation alone

Many times, active Catholics who are regularly sharing in communion but missed being confirmed are put “into the O(R)CIA”.  This should never be done. The appropriate rite for these candidates is the Order of Confirmation, and their confirmation would normally be celebrated with the bishop.

Join the conversation: Deepen your understanding

The journey of baptized candidates is unique and requires careful consideration. The rites outlined in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults offer valuable support, but their application should be guided by discernment and a deep understanding of the individual’s needs. To learn more about supporting baptized candidates, consider becoming a Team Initiation member and join us for the “Building Blocks of the Catechumenate” speaker series. 

As a Team Initiation member, you can participate in our final session and receive the recordings of all four sessions.

Upcoming webinar: Understanding the Rites for the Baptized

The fourth session of the series, focusing on understanding the rites for the baptized, will be led by Rev. Dr. Paul Turner. This webinar will be held on Wednesday, November 20th, at 11:00 am PST. Fr. Paul, a prolific writer and experienced celebrant, will guide participants through the nuances of these rites, exploring their flexibility and how they can be adapted to support individuals at various stages in their faith journeys.

Sign up to become a Team Initiation member today to access this valuable training series and enhance your understanding of the initiation process.