Formation, Not Frustration Canon Law Highlights for the RCIA Catechist Rev. Alexander M. Laschuk JCD, PhD 2018 Parish Ministry Conference: Be Disciples, Make Disciples
Outline • Introduction • Stages along the RCIA journey • Period of Evangelization (Pre-Catechumenate) • Period of Catechumenate • Sacraments of Initiation • Questions
Introduction
The RCIA Journey
Period of Evangelization Will the inquirer participate in the RCIA, and, if so, how?
Is the Inquirer Baptized? No. • How old is the inquirer? • <7 – follow the norms for infants – no RCIA • 7 or older, but no use of reason ( non sui compos ) – follow the norms for infants (c. 852, §2) – no RCIA • 7 or older, but use of reason – RCIA (c. 852, §1)
Is the Inquirer Baptized? Yes. • Is there proof of valid baptism? • Examples: • Certificate • Declaration of a witness beyond exception (c. 876) • Perhaps photographs or something similar exist • Oath of one who was baptized as an adult (c. 876) • Remember, this includes anyone over the age of seven (c. 852, §1)
Is the Inquirer Baptized? Maybe. • CCCB – “Guidelines for Recognition of Baptisms” (October 2005) (http://rcchurch.com/uploads/Baptism_Guidelines_web.pdf) • Basic questions: 1. Matter/Form? • A - Water? • B - Trinitarian formula? 2. Intention of minister? 3. Intention of party? • In some cases, a conditional baptism may be required (cc. 845, §2 869, §1)
Examples of Invalid Baptisms? (Source: CCCB) • The use of a substance other than water (cf. 1a). • The use of sprinkling, when the water does not clearly touch the skin of the person being baptized. (cf. 1a). • The use of a formula which changes or omits the names of the Persons of the Trinity, such as “I baptize you in the name of the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier”4 (cf. 1b). • Having one person pour the water while another person pronounces the words of the formula (cf. 1b). • Baptism in a community whose beliefs are so far removed from Trinitarian faith ( e.g. , Mormonism) that the minister does not truly intend Christian baptism (cf. 2). • A lack of consent to be baptized on the part of someone who has reached the age of reason (cf. 3).
If Baptized, How is Faith Formation? • Uncatechized (no faith formation – baptized as infant) • May participate in the RCIA as an adult • Catechized non-Catholic (believing Christian) • May participate in the RCIA as a candidate for communion • Partially catechized Catholic, seeking conformation (Catholic) • Does not participate in RCIA, but could participate in the catechesis when appropriate)
Speaking of initiation, not communion (c. 205 versus c. 845, §2)
Is the Inquirer Married? • No? Proceed. • Yes? • Ecclesiastically valid? Proceed. • Not valid, but can be convalidated? Should be celebrated prior to acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, but must be celebrated prior to reception of the sacraments (c. 843, §1). • Not valid, and needs tribunal? Should be investigated before the Order of Catechumens, but must be investigated to allow reception of the sacraments after convalidation (c. 843, §1)
What Do We Mean by Married? • Common law? • Catholics – need canonical form (important: includes Orthodox Churches) • Non-Catholics – no canonical form
Why Can’t People in Irregular Marital Situations Become Catholic? • Canon 843, §1. Sacred ministers cannot deny the sacraments to those who seek them at appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them. • Familiaris consortio, no. 84: However, the Church reaffirms her practice, which is based upon Sacred Scripture, of not admitting to Eucharistic Communion divorced persons who have remarried. They are unable to be admitted thereto from the fact that their state and condition of life objectively contradict that union of love between Christ and the Church which is signified and effected by the Eucharist. Besides this, there is another special pastoral reason: if these people were admitted to the Eucharist, the faithful would be led into error and confusion regarding the Church's teaching about the indissolubility of marriage.
The Period of the Catechumenate
The celebration of baptism must be prepared “ properly; consequently: 1. an adult who intends to receive baptism is to be admitted to the catechumenate and is to be led insofar as possible through the various stages to sacramental initiation, according to the order of ” initiation adapted by the conference of bishops and the special norms issued by it; c. 851, 1°
Who Can Serve as a Godparent? (c. 874) • Catholic • 1 male, 1 female, or 1 male and 1 female (never two male or two females, c. 873) • Designated by the adult to be baptized • Possessing the aptitude and intention of this duty (c. 872) • Lead a life of faith in keeping with this duty • Be sixteen or older • Confirmed • Not bound by canonical penalties • Not be a parent of the one to be baptized. • Same requirements for sponsors for confirmation, see c. 893, §1. (May even have two sponsors, see RCIA no. 483)
Which Rites Are Appropriate?
Rites for Catechumens • Adults are to be led through the catechumenate and the various stages of sacramental initiation (c. 851) • The adult has to have manifested intention for baptism, been instructed, and have been tested in the Christian life (c. 865) • Required rites: • Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens • Election • 3 scrutinies • Presentation of the Creed • Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer • (some of these can be dispensed by the diocesan bishop, see RCIA no. 34)
Rites for Uncatechized Adults • While not required, some elements can be appropriate for them. • RCIA states the following can be advantageous (no. 407): presentation of the creed, presentation of the Lord’s Prayer, and the Book of the Gospels • Specific optional rites for uncatechized adults: • Rite of welcoming (RCIA 411-433) • Rite of Sending Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop and for the Call to Continuing Conversion (RCIA 434-445) • Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion (RCIA 446-458) • Penitential Rite – Scrutiny (RCIA 459-472)
For Candidates for Full Communion • “The rite is arranged that no greater burden than necessary (see Acts 15:28) is required for the establishment of communion and unity.” (RCIA no. 473) ” For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon • you no greater burden than these necessary things” • Every case is different. • Has the candidate received the sacrament of penance? Should confess before reception into communion (RCIA no. 482)
Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism • Who is authorized to baptize adults? • Infants – bishop, priest, or deacon (c. 861, §1) • Adults – bishop, or priest by virtue of office or mandate (cc. 863, 883) • Why not deacons? Because they would lose the faculty to confirm (c. 883, 2°) • What ritual Church do they enter? (c. 111) • Under 14: • Both parents Latin? Latin • One parent Latin? If they agree, the Church of the mother, otherwise the Church of the Father. • Only one parent Catholic? Child follows the Church of the Catholic party. • 14 or older: • Free to join any Church sui iuris at the time of baptism
Is the Candidate an Eastern non-Catholic? • No liturgical rites beyond a profession of faith are required (RCIA no. 474) • Important to remember that while the person can go through the RCIA, they will not be Latin Catholics. They are ascribed to the corresponding Eastern Church. ( CCEO c. 35) • Eastern Churches confirm at baptism. Assume this happened, even if not explicit on the certificate. • Eastern Catholics should never go through the RCIA
Confirmation • Who can the priest confirm? • Who can’t the priest confirm? (without a faculty from the • Those Entering the Church bishop) • Catechumens • Uncatechized non-Catholic • Those who are already in (and Adults never REALLY left) • Candidates for full communion • Uncatechized Catholic adults • Those Re-Entering The Church • Returning non-practicing Catholics • Catholics who apostasized or left as infants through no fault • Catechized Catholic adults to adhere to another religion and are now returning
Questions?
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