I’ve been smiling at the recent buzz about the “new rules” the bishops have issued for the catechumenate. The retranslation of the initiation rites, now called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, has inspired many people to dive deep into the rite — perhaps for the first time. And that’s great! People are discovering the church’s profound vision for conversion, formation, and initiation of those who have encountered Jesus Christ and wish to follow the way of the Cross.

What is a little bit interesting is that these “new rules” have actually been with us all along. The structure, process, and guidelines in the OCIA are identical to what we had in the RCIA. It’s just that many of us hadn’t read the fine print.

And I completely get it. Reading a ritual book of the church can be a little intimidating. But if you dig in and stick with it, you will be richly rewarded. I think of it like a treasure hunt. Every time I read or re-read a section of a church rite, I am surprised with new insights and often deeper faith.

Catechumenate teams should, at the very least, know how to read the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. And the skills you learn reading that ritual book will help you branch out to read more of the church’s treasury of liturgical rites.

How to read a rite

Let’s start with some general guidelines that apply to any church ritual book.

1. Start with the table of contents

Every ritual book is organized to provide a clear roadmap. Begin by reviewing the table of contents. This gives you a bird’s-eye view of the structure, including the various sections, chapters, and significant elements of the rite. Familiarity with this layout will make it easier to locate and understand specific parts of the text.

2. Read the introductions

All rites include introductory material (called “praenotanda” in Latin) explaining their purpose, theological significance, and practical details. These introductions are essential for understanding the “why” behind the “what” of the liturgical practices.

3. Pay attention to paragraph numbers

When you want you to find or refer to something in a church ritual, always go by the paragraph number instead of page number. Rituals are published by different companies who choose their own page sizes, fonts, line spacing, and so on. This can cause the page numbering to be different from one publisher to the next. The way to stay on the same page, so to speak, with someone who has a different book than you is to refer to paragraph numbers.

4. Pay attention to brackets and options

Options in the rite are sometimes indicated by brackets. If multiple options are offered, the first option presented is typically preferred.

5. Pay attention to the rubrics

Ritual texts are not just words but instructions for actions, gestures, and prayers. Pay attention to the rubrics. Rubrics are instructions embedded in the ritual book that guide how the rite is to be performed. These directives are often written in smaller, italicized, or red text (hence the name rubric, derived from the Latin word for red). They specify actions, gestures, movements, or verbal instructions to be followed during the liturgy.

Rubrics can also indicate optional texts or actions. Look for rubrics that say something like “in these or similar words.” Again, if multiple options are offered, the first option presented is typically preferred.

Catechumenate teams should, at the very least, know how to read the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. And the skills you learn reading that ritual book will help you branch out to read more of the church’s treasury of liturgical rites.

Reading the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Key changes in the latest edition

The revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults includes several important updates:

1. The National Statutes for the Catechumenate now appear at the beginning of the book, emphasizing their foundational role in guiding initiation practices. Note that these statutes apply only to parishes in the United States. However, all of the statutes are derived from canon law or liturgical law and so are helpful guidelines no matter where you are.
2. The new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults translates the word “candidatus” as “catechumen” in places where the rite is dealing with unbaptized seekers. In the RCIA, “candidatus” was translated as “candidate,” which led to confusion with the baptized candidates.
3. The texts for Mass, including the Easter Vigil, were retranslated over ten years ago. Some of the texts from the previous translation of the Mass appeared in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and didn’t match the new Mass translation. In the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, the newer Easter Vigil texts match what is in the Roman Missal. The same is true with the ritual texts for confirmation.

Understanding the table of contents for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

• Part 1 focuses on the main structure of the catechumenate, including:
  • Periods such as Evangelization, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogy.
  • Major steps such as the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate, the Rite of Election, and the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.
  • Additional rites such as minor exorcisms, blessings, scrutinies, and the handing on rites.
• Part 2 provides rites adapted for specific needs or groups, such as children or those in danger of death. This section also includes optional rites for baptized candidates who have been previously uncatechized.

A note about Christian Initiation: General Introduction

The General Introduction is what it says a general introduction to all of the church’s initiation rituals, including infant baptism and confirmation. The General Introduction does not apply specifically to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, but there is much rich material in this introduction to help you understand the church’s theology of initiation.

A note about the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults: Introduction

This is the specific Introduction (or praenotanda) to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. You will want to read this introduction carefully and come back to it often. It will answer a lot of questions and provide deep insight into the initiation process.

Practical tips for using the rite

• Cross-reference with the National Statutes: These statutes provide essential pastoral guidelines and should be read alongside the rites for a fuller understanding.
• Use the introductions for team training: When leading catechumenate sessions or team meetings, the introductions offer theological and pastoral grounding. Because the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is more complex than many rites in the church, each individual rite also has its own introduction.
• Highlight periods and steps: Emphasize the gradual and structured nature of initiation, which progresses through clear stages.

Suggestions for additional team discussion:

1. Liturgical context: Highlight the paschal character of the initiation process, particularly its alignment with Lent and the Easter Vigil.
2. Community involvement: Discuss how the faith community supports catechumens through prayer, example, and participation. See especially OCIA 9.
3. Flexibility and adaptation: The initiation rites are designed to be flexible and adaptable to specific parish situations. However, some things cannot be adapted or can only be adapted for serious reasons. Read the introductions and rubrics closely to know what you can and cannot adapt.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is not merely a how-to manual for liturgy but a profound expression of the church’s mission to welcome and form new disciples. By reading it prayerfully and carefully, you will discover how to effectively accompany your seekers on their journey of faith.

Can you help me out?

I’d love to know how this is landing. Can you share a word or a phrase about how this article resonates with you? Does it speak to your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments box below. Thanks for being part of the conversion!