A Short History of the Catechumenate
The ritual pattern of Christian Initiation follows the account of the baptism of Christ in the synoptic gospels: Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 4:13-17; Luke 3:21-22.
(1) Jesus goes down into the water with John;
Admission to the catechumenate was celebrated ritually with the sign of the cross, the giving of salt, an imposition of hands, and a prayer of exorcism followed by three years of instructions. Much of the ordinary social life at this time was so intertwined with pagan worship that a potential convert needed a substantial period to adjust to a "Christian" way of living. During this period they shared the prayer life of the community and participated in the Sunday "Mass of the Catechumens," being dismissed after the liturgy of the Word, since only baptized Christians could participate in the Eucharist.
Their lives were examined again at the end of the three years, and those who were judged ready were "elected" to receive the sacraments celebrated at Easter, after a period of spiritual formation (which is the origin of Lent). This period began with a scrutiny of their lives, prayers of exorcisms, an enrollment for baptism, daily attendance at the Lenten liturgy, penance as a discipline, and confession of sins.
The Great Vigil of Easter, in the West, began with the "ephphetha" (opening) of the ears and mouth to hear and speak the word of God. Then the candidates faced West to renounce Satan, the lord of darkness, and faced East to adhere to Christ, the rising Son of God. They were anointed with oil as a sign of strength for the struggle with Satan. Next they stripped naked. The font was blessed by invoking the Holy Spirit to sanctify the waters. Baptism was administered by immersion three times in a waist-deep pool. In Milan (St. Ambrose) there was a washing of the feet after the baptism (John 13:10). Coming out of the water, the newly baptized were clothed in white garments (put on a new life in Christ), anointed on the forehead (reception of the Holy Spirit), given a holy kiss (welcomed into the priesthood of the laity), presented with a lighted candle (to walk in the light of Christ), and sent into the midst of the assembly of the faithful as a member of the body of Christ. The newly baptized were sometimes given milk and honey with the Eucharistic bread and cup as a sign of entering the Promised Land.
(2) When Jesus comes up, he sees the Spirit descend;
(3) Jesus hears the voice of the Father proclaim his Sonship.
RCIA Rituals Today
MINOR EXORCISMS The minor exorcisms have been composed in the form of petitions directly addressed to God. They draw the attention of the catechumens to the real nature of 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)
ANOINTING OF THE CATECHUMENS The anointing with oil symbolizes the catechumens' 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 to it unfalteringly throughout their lives. (RCIA)
SCRUTINIES The community celebrates the scrutinies on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent for all those whose election will culminate at the Easter Vigil. The word "scrutiny" refers to the self-searching of the Elect. These rites are designed to heal all that is weak and sinful in the hearts of the candidates and to strengthen all that is upright and good. They include prayers of exorcism and call for deep repentance. The First Scrutiny fills their spirit with Christ the Redeemer, who is the living water (gospel of the Samaritan woman; the Second Scrutiny is the One who is the light of the world (gospel of the man born blind); the Third Scrutiny is the One who is the resurrection and the life (gospel of Lazarus). (RCIA)
SPONSORS "In the various circumstances of daily life, even as in the apostolate, all the followers of Christ have the obligation of spreading the faith according to their abilities. Hence, the entire community must help the candidates and the catechumens throughout the process of initiation." (RCIA,9)
COMPANION SPONSORS, who are generally spouses, relatives, or close friends, make themselves available to listen and pay attention to their candidates special needs, to make them aware of their special gifts, and to attend with them, video sessions, discussions, prayer services, rites, and retreats.
PARISH SPONSORS, who represent our various existing organizations, bring not only experience and knowledge into the sessions, they are especially valuable as representatives of our loving and welcoming community, and they offer new membership into their groups while enriching their own faith lives.
PRAYER SPONSORS, a treasury of the faithful who can no longer physically attend weekly sessions, who will share themselves, their years of lived faith and their trusting relationships with God by making a commitment to pray daily for a particular candidate and send frequent notes of encouragement and support to their candidate.
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