The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

A Journey in Faith

Today, too, the Spirit is calling men and women to set out and encounter all those who are waiting to discover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Christian faith.

(Pope Francis, Antiquum mysterium 5)

We are in the process of preparing a complete set of resources for use in parishes. Our aim is to create a body of materials which can be used flexibly according to the needs of the parish and the particular group of catechumens, and which can also be added-to and updated over time.

As these become available, they will appear on this page and can be used and adapted freely.

(Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash)

Overview

The course as a whole comprises six themes:

The Roots of our Catholic Faith
The Living Faith of the Church
The Sacred Life of the Church today
Becoming a Catholic: Sacraments of Initiation and Forgiveness
Living Life as a Catholic
Sharing our Faith with one another: exploring questions of faith

Within each theme there is a choice of 45-minute modules which can be mixed and matched in whatever way you choose: two 45-minute modules with a break for coffee would give the length of a normal group meeting.

You do not need to complete all of the modules, but you should cover all of the six themes in one way or another so as to give a balanced preparation for those enquiring into our Catholic Faith and choosing to themselves become Catholic. Of course, it is impossible to fully cover every possible theme: we are offering a basis on which those entering our Faith with build over time through their own learning, reading and enquiring.

These resources are still in the process of being drafted and we would welcome feedback on your experience of using them, together with suggestions for further sessions by clicking here and completing the Feedback Form.

Guidance for Catechists

It is important that the materials offered and not simply copied and handed out: these materials are for use by catechists in building and clarifying their own understanding so that they, in turn, can teach others and share their faith in their own way. As Pope Francis teaches, ‘…every catechist must be a witness to the faith, a teacher and mystagogue, a companion and pedagogue, who teaches for the Church. Only through prayer, study, and direct participation in the life of the community can they grow in this identity and the integrity and responsibility that it entails (Antiquum mysterium 6, cf. Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, Directory for Catechesis, 113).