Baptism: Part 2

What are the steps to becoming Catholic?
The Church's current, official rite is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It was developed after Vatican II and restores a very ancient practice in the Church - a catechumenate process. A catechumen ("one under instruction") is called to follow Christ though the "many forms of God's grace" (RCIA #5). His/her journey of faith is a gradual one, done best within a community of the faithful. With catechesis based on the scriptures, by living the Christian life, by practicing apostolic works, and by celebrating the rites of the Church (RCIA 75), the catechumens (and we) are called to reflect on the value of the paschal mystery and on their lives as Catholic Christians. This journey includes periods of preparation and steps which are marked by liturgical rites (see the chart below). Because this process has a particularly paschal character -entering into the dying and rising of Jesus Christ - it is most appropriate that the catechumen is initiated at the Easter Vigil. At that time, he/she will receive all three sacraments of initiation - baptism, confirmation, and eucharist. A period of mystagogia ("the mysteries revealed") follows. Though intense during the fifty days of Easter, this period is just the beginning of a life-long faith formation and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

There are also those among us who are already baptized in another Christian community and seek to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. We call these people "candidates." The RCIA always maintains careful distinction between " candidates" and "catechumens," respecting the baptismal status of those already validly baptized. Other rites mark their progression in faith. Often, your parish will celebrate "combined rites," i.e., a rite for catechumens and candidates at the same time. Listen carefully as Father addresses them or as we offer prayers - note the difference in wording. For example, you may celebrate both the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates.

Who initiates these new members into the Church?
We all do! "…the people of God, as represented by the local Church, should understand and show by their concern that the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptized" (RCIA 9). We invite them to know our Savior and to join our Church; we offer hospitality, we answer their questions to the best of our ability, we welcome them to Mass, and we are present at the various rites. We warmly welcome them to the font of life, to the sacrament of confirmation, and to eat with us at the Lord's Table. Some of us may serve as godparents and sponsors; others serve as catechists. Bishops, priests, deacons, RCIA team members have special roles, but we all initiate them into our community of faith.

Review the timeline on these pages. First, note that the RCIA is not "new." What we celebrate in our parishes is not of our own invention; the rites belong to the universal Church and to a long and rich heritage. Can you recognize our current practice in the ancient rites? The RCIA (1974,1988) is based heavily on the Apostolic Tradition (c. 215).

Second, notice that in all rites, the Church uses "signs perceptible to the senses" to convey a deeper meaning. Ritual baths bespeak the cleansing of our sins by the grace of God and the redemptive action of Jesus Christ. Oil permeates our skin and heals our wounds just as the grace of the Holy Spirit permeates our lives and gives us strength against evil. Simple foods of bread and wine become signs of Christ's real and abiding presence within us.

Third, the words of our rites, steeped in such Tradition, reflect our theology. The Church acts as an instrument in God's divine plan for our salvation as he calls each of us to conversion and to walk in the light of Christ (RCIA #52).

Timeline: initiation practices and major developments in bringing new members into the faith

Didache ("The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles") author unknown,
Syria, c. 100
7. When you have recited all these things [the Way of Life and the Way of Death, Chapters 1-6]. Baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, in running water. But if you do not have running water, baptize in other water; and if you cannot in cold water, then in warm. And if you do not have either, pour water three times upon the head, in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit. And before baptism, let the baptizer and him that is to be baptized and others first fast one or two days before.

First Apology of Justin Martyr addressed to Emperor Antonius Pius,
c. 160 Rome
61. As many as are persuaded and believe that these things we teach and describe are true, and undertake to live accordingly, are taught to pray and ask God, while fasting, for the forgiveness of their sins; and we fast and pray with them. Then they are lead to a place where there is water, and they are reborn after the manner of rebirth by which we were also reborn; for they are then washed in the name of the Father and Lord of all good things, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit… 65. After we have thus washed him … we lead him to those who are called brethren, where they are assembled and make common prayer… At the conclusion of the prayers, we greet one another with a kiss. Then bread and chalice containing wine mixed with water are presented to the one presiding over the brethren. He takes them and … recites lengthy prayers of thanksgiving to God. At the end of these prayers and thanksgiving, all present express their approval by saying 'Amen.'

Tertullian de Baptismo Carthage (north Africa) c. 203
Those who have prepared for baptism are urged "to pray, with frequent prayers, fastings, and bending of the knee, and all-night vigils, along with the confession of all their sins. Daily exorcism preferred… abstain from daily bath for a week"
   An invocation of the Holy Spirit over the baptismal water… Renunciation of the devil and three-fold creedal interrogations along with three immersions, a post-baptismal anointing… laying on of hands and a welcoming of the Holy Spirit… neophyte is welcomed into the assembly and given a drink of milk and honey.
   Suitable time for initiation is Easter, or if not Easter, then Pentecost, or any day. "Christians are made, not born."

Apostolic Tradition usually attributed to Hippolytus Rome c. 215
[Period of the Catechumenate]
(17- 19) Catechumens are instructed for three years, we lay hands on them and dismiss them… If he suffers violence and is put to death before baptism, he shall be justified by having been baptized in his own blood.

[Rite of Election and Period of Purification and Enlightenment]
(20.1) And when they are chosen who are set apart to receive baptism, let their life be examined , whether they lived piously while catechumens, whether they honored the widows, whether they visited the sick,… If those who bring them bear witness to this…let them hear the gospel. From the day they are chosen let them be exorcised daily… they shall fast on the preparation day (Friday) … and (on Saturday) the bishop shall exorcise every evil sprit to flee from them … he will breathe on their faces and seal their foreheads and ears and noses… and spend the night in Vigil with them reading the scriptures to them and instructing them

[Baptism]
When they come to the water, let the water be pure and flowing and they shall put off their clothes and we shall baptize the little children first, if they can answer for themselves, let them answer. If they cannot, let their parents answer for them, next we shall baptize the men, and last the women.
Blessing of the Oil of Thanksgiving
Blessing of the Oil of Exorcism
Pour Oil of Thanksgiving over them.
Renunciation of the devil
Pour Oil of Exorcism
Do you believe in God… (dip)
Do you believe in Jesus Christ who was born of the Virgin Mary…(dip)
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit… (dip)
Anointing with the Oil of Thanksgiving
Put on clothes and brought to the assembly

[Confirmation]
Bishop lays hands on them
Pours consecrated oil on them; sealing of forehead
Kiss of peace from bishop
Pray together with all the people (never had done this previously)
Kiss of peace

[Eucharist]
Given eucharistic bread, water, milk and honey, chalice of wine

Cyril of Jerusalem c. 350
Mystagogical Catechesis on the First letter of Peter.
[On why he waited until after baptism to reveal the mysteries to them] I long ago desired , true born and dearly loved children of the Church, to discourse you concerning these spiritual and heavenly mysteries; but knowing well that seeing is far more persuasive than hearing, I waited till this season; that finding you more open to the influence of my words from this your experience, I might take and lead you to the brighter and more fragrant meadow of this present paradise, especially as you have been made fit to receive the more sacred mysteries, having been counted worthy of divine and life-giving baptism. It remains therefore to dress for you a board of more perfect instruction, let us now teach you exactly about these things, that you may know the deep meaning to you - ward of what was done on that evening of your baptism (trans. by E. C. Whitaker).

Diary of the Pilgrim Egeria c. 400 Jerusalem
[Describing Lent] The priest writes down the names before Quadragesima. The bishop examines the sponsors as to their readiness and writes in the names of the catechumens at the Martyrium They fast and experience daily exorcisms during the eight [sic.] weeks of Lent. For three hours each day the bishop teaches them Scripture. Five weeks later the bishop presents them the Creed and explains it to them.

5-12 centuries - gradual dissolution of the rites of initiation into three separate sacraments
    High infant mortality rate, children baptized immediately after birth. In the West, the bishop reserves the sacrament of confirmation to himself.

1274 Council of Lyons declares that the Church has seven sacraments

1439 Council of Florence - they contain and confer grace

1548-1563 Council of Trent defines the sacraments

16-20th centuries rite for emergency baptism becomes the norm for both adults and children

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy 12-4-1963 Vatican II
The catechumenate for adults, comprising several distinct steps is to be restored and to be put into use at the discretion of the local ordinary. By this means the period of the Catechumenate, which is intended as a time of suitable instruction, may be sanctified by sacred rites to be celebrated at successive intervals (64).

1974 First edition of RCIA promulgated, intended for pastoral use and study
1988 use of this version becomes mandatory for use in the USA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: An Outline of a Catechumen's Journey of Faith

Period of Evangelization and the Precatechumenate
In this period, the "inquirer" is welcomed into our community and is invited to get to know the Lord Jesus and our religion. When they have come to initial conversion and after proper discernment by the pastor, sponsor, and initiation team, the inquirer may ask to participate in the Rite of Acceptance.

First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
"What do you ask of God's Church?," the presider asks. "Faith" is the response. We mark the inquirer with the sign of the cross on their senses and we present them with a copy of the Scriptures. We pray over them and ask the Spirit to guide them as they learn more about their faith. This rite is important since the Church now treats the catechumen "as one of her own" - for example, if a catechumen should die before baptism, they receive a full Christian burial.

Period of the Catechumenate
During this period, the catechumens are " under instruction." They learn about our Faith in lessons developed from our Lectionaries -the Scripture readings we use at Mass. They may be dismissed from Mass to go and study more intently the lesson just presented. They participate in our parish life, engage in apostolic works, and celebrate various rites. These will include Celebrations of the Word of God, minor exorcisms (prayers which ask God's protection against evil), anointings, and blessings. Pastors, catechists, and sponsors guide them on this journey. When they are deemed ready, the parish may "send" them to the bishop for the Rite of Election.

Second Step: Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names
Now the Bishop, acting on behalf of the entire Church inquires about each catechumen's readiness and "chooses" them to receive the sacraments of initiation. The Church records their names in a "Book of the Elect." Indeed, that is what we call these chosen ones during their final weeks of preparation, the "Elect."

Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This period usually coincides with Lent and is an intense period of prayer, reflection, and fasting. Likewise, we reflect on our own baptism and join the Elect in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. On the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent, the Elect experience the Scrutinies; here they reflect on the sin in their lives and we pray for them to overcome it.
   Following an ancient custom, the Church entrusts to them the Creed and the Lord's Prayer in order to "enlighten." The Creed recalls the wonderful deeds of salvation and the Lord's Prayer fills them with a new spirit of adoption (RCIA #147). On Holy Saturday, the Elect once again fast and pray and recite that Creed for the first time. Their ears and mouth are signed with the cross (the ephpheta rite) so that they may always hear and speak the word of God.

Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
On Easter Vigil, after the Service of the Light and the Liturgy of the Word, the Elect are brought forward and we invoke the intercession of all the saints. We ask the Elect to make a renunciation of sin and profession of faith (Later, we too, will renew these baptismal vows). Their godparent brings them to the waters of baptism and they are baptized "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (RCIA 226).
   We cloth them with a white garment, a sign of their new life in Christ and we present them with a lighted candle so that they may " walk always in the light of Christ and keep the flame of faith alive in [their] hearts" (RCIA 230). Next, they receive the sacrament of Confirmation with the Laying on of Hands and the Anointing with Chrism. The culmination of the Easter Vigil is the Liturgy of the Eucharist, when we welcome these new members to the Lord's Table for the first time.

Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
Mystagogia means "the mysteries revealed." Now that the "neophytes" have actually experienced the sacraments, they (and we) continue to deepen their grasp of the paschal mystery, meditate on the Gospel, and do works of charity (RCIA 244). No longer dismissed from our assemblies, they hold a special place of honor in our church during the Easter Season and, as we have for over a year, we pray for them in the Prayers of the Faithful.

A Candidate's Journey

Rite of Welcoming the Candidates
In this rite, we welcome those already baptized in another Christian community. They seek to know more about our Faith and to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Candidates may also include Catholics who were baptized in infancy, but who were never catechized thereafter. They, too, receive the sign of the cross on their forehead and senses, but as a reminder of their baptism.

Rite of Sending the Candidates
After instruction suited to their needs, the candidates may be sent to the Bishop for recognition.

Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion
The Bishop may often celebrate this rite at the same time as the Rite of Election Here, too, he inquires as to the progress of the candidates and recognizes them as worthy candidates for reception into full communion.

Penitential Rite (Second Week of Lent)
Candidates do not participate in the Scrutinies since those rites speak of preparation for baptism. Instead, in this rite, we pray for the forgiveness of sins "so that they may be ready to be sealed with the gift of the Father and fed at the Lord's table" (RCIA 469).

Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church
The Rite of reception may be celebrated at the Easter Vigil or nearly any Sunday of the year. It is celebrated whenever the candidate is deemed ready. The Candidate makes a Profession of Faith to the Catholic Church and is received into the Church. Then they are confirmed, and join us at the eucharistic table.

Other Rites

Sensitive to many pastoral realities, the RCIA also contains texts for other rites - the Christian Initiation of Adults in Exceptional Circumstances; the Christian Initiation of a Person in Danger of Death; and the Christian Initiation of Children Who Have Reached Catechetical Age. In the last, all the rites of the RCIA are adapted with language easily understood by children who are over the age of reason.

Want to read more?

Johnson, Maxwell. The Rites of Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1999.

Morris, Thomas. The RCIA: Transforming the Church. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1997.

Searle, Mark. Christening: The Making of Christians. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1980.

Yarnold, Edward. The Awe-inspiring Rites of Initiation: The Origins of the RCIA. Collegeville: the Liturgical Press, 1994.