The current Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults (RCIA) was promulgated January 6, 1972 and
the use of the Rite was made mandatory in all U.S. Dioceses
in September of 1988 . The RCIA is a process through which
non-baptized and baptized men and women enter the Catholic
Church. It includes four distinct stages of formation: 1.)
Evangelization or Pre-catechumenate, 2.) Catechumenate,
3.) Sacramental Celebration and 4.) Mystagogy. For a Rite
that has been in place for over a decade there is still
much work to be done on its overall implementation. In 2001,
the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published
the results of a three year study on the implementation
of the Rite, Journey to the Fullness of Life. The
results of this comprehensive study make it clear that the
RCIA is essential for the rich and healthy life of the Church
in the United States. It is also clear from the study that
the implementation of the Rite can be improved in many ways
and that the Rite must continue to be a major priority in
the local churches. The course will explore the Rite, using
the stages of the Rite as the guide for the course, looking
to the various stages of formation and also invite participants
to reflect on ways his or her parish implements the Rite.
While previous experience working with the RCIA is a benefit
in the courses, individuals new to the process and also
those wanting to know more about the RCIA should take this
course.
*Note: Participants in this course must
have a copy of The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Participants can either purchase the text or borrow a copy
for the duration of the course.
Unit 1
- Course Introduction
- A brief history of the catechumenate
and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
- The sacraments of initiation: Baptism,
Confirmation and Eucharist
Unit 2
- The first and second stages: Pre-catechumenate
and Catechumenate
- What does the Rite say about these
stages?
Unit 3
- The third stage: The Sacramental Celebration
of the Rites.
- How do parishes celebrate the period
of Election through the Easter Vigil?
Unit 4
- The fourth stage: Mystagogy.
- What is it and why is it important?
Unit 5
- Study of implementation of the Rite
in U.S. dioceses, Journey to the Fullness of Life.
What more can we be doing?
- Five weeks in duration, which includes
orientation to online learning.
- Typically 15-20 students in each course.
- Supplemental readings are provided
to encourage further exploration of topic, internet links
provided for all readings.
- Short weekly written assignments (150-200
words) required.
- Weekly facilitator-moderated chat session
with students in course.
Participants in this course must have
a copy of The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Participants can either purchase the text or borrow a copy
for the duration of the course.
Requirements for course include:
- Weekly reading of lecture text.
- Participation in class discussion using
discussion area (minimum 2 comments, questions or responses
weekly.)
- Weekly written assignment (150-200
words.)
- Course evaluation.
- 3 to 5 hours a week (time varies from
student to student depending on your learning style and
schedule.)
A Certificate of Completion awarding 25
Contact Hours will be sent upon completion of all course
requirements.
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Kelly Culver graduated
from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN in 1996,
and from the University of Notre Dame with a Masters
of Divinity in 2001. After graduation she worked on
an extensive sociological study of the implementation
of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in six
parishes and co- authored a book based on the research,
Real Stories of Christian Initiation: Lessons
for and from the RCIA, published by Liturgical
Press, 2006. She joined the STEP program in July 2002.
Most importantly, she is the mother of three small
children, Benjamin, Sophia, and Joshua.
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