RCIA Bulletin: Winter 2016 “Rites Belonging to the Catechumenate” The ‘gateway rites’ of The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (RCIA 41-74); and Welcoming Baptized Adults...into Full Communion with the Catholic Church( RCIA #411-433; combined Rites described at RCIA #505-529) signifies that the Church is formally accepting them into her midst as, respectively, catechumens and candidates for full communion. Though not fully initiated, they become truly the Church’s own (part of Christ’s household) (RCIA 47). Thus they can expect help and support from Mother Church. Liturgically, this means they are called to share in all the blessings, exorcisms, anointings, and other rites that are included in the section entitled, ‘Rites Belonging to the Period of the Catechumenate’ (RCIA 81-117). During the Catechumenate/candidacy period, the catechumens and candidates are sustained by the graces dispensed by the Church through the following means: • Celebrations of the Word of God (RCIA 81-89,406) • Blessings and Minor Exorcisms (RCIA 90-97) • Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens (RCIA 98-103) • Other Prayers and Sacramentals of the Church (CCC 1667-1680) • Presentations of the Creed, Our Father, Ephphetha Rite (only if Catechumenate is abbreviated--see RCIA 104-105, 407) Celebrations of the Word of God These take three forms: 1) celebrations of the Word held especially for the catechumens; 2) participation in the Liturgy of the Word at the Sunday Mass; 3) celebrations held in connection with catechetical instruction. (RCIA 81) Their purpose is four-fold: (RCIA 82) 1.To implant in their hearts the teachings they are receiving: for example, the morality characteristic of the New Testament, the forgiving of injuries and insults, a sense of sin and repentance, the duties Christians must carry out in the world; 2.To give them instruction and experience in the different aspects and ways of prayer; 3.To explain to them the signs, celebrations, and seasons of the liturgy; 4.To prepare them gradually to enter the worship assembly of the entire community. Minor Exorcisms and Blessings of Catechumens Minor exorcisms ordinarily take place within a celebration of the Word of God. “Minor exorcisms draw the attention of the catechumens to the real nature of the Christian life, the struggle between flesh and spirit, the importance of self- denial for reaching the blessedness of God’s kingdom, and the unending need for God’s help” (RCIA 90). These minor exorcisms are to prepare the catechumens for baptism. When needed, they may also be prayed privately for an individual catechumen (RCIA 92). The presiding celebrant for the minor exorcism is a priest, deacon, or catechist appointed by the bishop for this ministry. (RCIA 91) Blessings are usually given at the end of a celebration of the Word of God. “The blessings of the catechumens are a sign of God’s love and of the Church’s tender care. They are bestowed on the catechumens so that, even though they do not as yet have the grace of the sacraments, they may still receive from the Church courage, joy, and peace as they proceed along the difficult journey they have begun” (RCIA 95). The blessings may be given by a priest, deacon, or a catechist appointed by the bishop. (RCIA 96). Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens “During the period of the Catechumenate, a rite of anointing the catechumens, through use of the Oil of Catechumens, may be celebrated wherever this seems beneficial or desirable” (RCIA 98). This rite is for catechumens only, using the Oil of Catechumens, and “symbolizes their need for God’s help and strength so that, undeterred by the bonds of the past and overcoming the opposition of the devil, they will forthrightly take the step of professing their faith and will hold fast Diocese of Crookston: Office of Worship to it unfalteringly throughout their lives” (RCIA 99). Unlike the blessings and minor exorcisms, the rite of anointing with the Oil of Catechumens is celebrated only by a priest or deacon. (RCIA 98) Important Notes The minor exorcisms, blessings, and anointing may be celebrated numerous times throughout the Catechumenate. These are all very significant liturgical rites and should never be downplayed or rushed. Liturgy, here in the form of sacramentals, remains ever-central to participants’ growing intimacy with God. • They are only for the unbaptized, that is, catechumens. * • They may be led/celebrated by priests, deacons, or catechists (except that the Church requires only priests and deacons to anoint with the Oil of Catechumens) • The Oil of Catechumens is only used to anoint the unbaptized. It is never to be used on Candidates for full Communion, or those ‘baptized but uncatechized.’ • * The baptized and the non-baptized are in very different situations because of the significance of the grace of the sacrament of Baptism; therefore, the two groups should be clearly distinguished from one another, and their differing sacramental situations must be reflected in the prayers for them. The baptized candidates should be aware of the profound significance of their baptismal grace in their lives and should seek to make use of these graces given by God. • In the dioceses of the United States, the anointing with the Oil of Catechumens is reserved for use in the period of the Catechumenate and in the period of Purification and Enlightenment [during Lent], and is not to be included in the purification rites on Holy Saturday or in the celebration of initiation at the Easter Vigil or at another time. (RCIA 33.6, 33.7, USA edition) Prayer and Sacramentals Sacramentals do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way that the Sacraments do, but by the Church's prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it. There is scarcely any proper use of material things which cannot be thus directed toward the sanctification of men and the praise of God. (CCC, 1668) Throughout the Catechumenate, other sacramentals can and ought to be introduced; always accompanied by the proper catechesis--being careful to connect them to the Sacraments: for example, distribution of holy water with instructions for use in the home, etc., in light of Baptism. The blessing and use of an Advent wreath can be added to a celebration of the Word. As conversion progresses, more time ought to be spent in prayer. Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, preceded by explanation and instruction, can be a fitting addition when catechesis on the Eucharist is given. Praying a scriptural rosary together with intercessions for the needs of the group is a good accompaniment to instruction on Mary’s role in the Church. Every opportunity to celebrate and participate in the liturgical year and Church’s feasts ought to be used. Other ideas include the following: ✴ Read & meditate on Scripture ✴ Lectio Divina, Spiritual reading, the lives of the Saints ✴ Explain and use grace before/after meals ✴ Offer a booklet of “Basic Catholic Prayers” ✴ The Liturgy of the Hours (start with the simpler hours, like Night Prayer) ✴ Parish prayer gatherings, missions, vespers, special retreat days, etc. ✴ Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Hours ✴ Attend Sacramental celebrations: Baptisms, Weddings, Ordinations, etc. when possible ✴ Devotions to the Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints, the Rosary, litanies, novenas Diocese of Crookston: Office of Worship .