Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Sorting It All Out: Children and Adults in the Initiation Process
5. An adult or older adolescent, baptized non-Catholic, catechized in their faith
Francene is a baptized and catechized Episcopalian. She attends the Episcopal church with some regularity, and knows her faith. Moved by the example of her Catholic neighbors, she desires to become a Catholic. After an appropriate time of inquiry, Francene becomes a candidate for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
Rite used: Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church (#473-498). This includes Confirmation and First Communion.
Title: Candidate for Full Communion
Definition: a validly baptized non-Catholic seeking reception and full communion with the Roman Catholic Church
Process: Pastoral formation includes both doctrinal and spiritual preparation adapted to the individual's needs for reception into full communion and a deeper adherence to the Church. The length of preparation is determined by the amount of formation needed and is not necessarily a part of the catechumenate process. "No greater burden than necessary is required." (RCIA #473).
Time of Celebration: Any Sunday Eucharist throughout the year, though the Easter season is probably most appropriate time.
Minister: The parish priest is the presiding minister.
Faculty to Confirm: No delegation is required.
Record Keeping: Francene's name is entered in the parish registers of Baptism (with notation of non-Catholic baptism and minister), Confirmation and First Communion, and notation of Marriage.
References: RCIA Part II: 5; NS 30-33; 35-37back to Sorting It All Out
