By Joseph Younes
The Archdiocese has last month celebrated the launch of new guidelines for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) at Holy Family Church Hall in Como.
The event, on Thursday 5 September, was led by the Vicar General, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, and supported by Director of the Office of Christian Initiation and the Centre for Liturgy, Dr Carmel Suart.
The updated guidelines are a first for the Archdiocese and mark an important milestone for parishes seeking to revitalise the RCIA process.
The RCIA is an essential process for welcoming adults and children of catechetical age into the Catholic Church.
The Archdiocese typically receives more than 100 new Catholics each year across its 105 parishes.
According to Dr Suart, the responsibility for the Christian initiation of adults belongs to all baptised members of the Church.
However, parish priests and RCIA parish teams hold a special role in ensuring that the liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral norms of the process are carried out faithfully.
Overview of the new RCIA guidelines
Developed over an 18-month period, the new guidelines address common concerns and issues that have arisen in parishes.
Dr Suart explained that the guidelines aim to “unpack the liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral requirements of the RCIA process according to the directives outlined in Church documents, particularly the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (1972).”
The resource is designed to assist parish priests, RCIA coordinators, and teams in implementing the RCIA process effectively.
It provides practical guidance for making informed decisions when challenges arise and ensures that the RCIA is conducted in accordance with the spirit of the Rite.
Practical support for parish teams
The new guidelines are intended to be a helpful companion to parishes, providing detailed advice on how to adapt the RCIA process to meet the unique needs of each community.
Dr Suart noted, “The guidelines recognise that each parish community is different and will need to adapt the process and resources to their circumstances. They also emphasise that the Holy Spirit works in each person’s life in a way best suited to them.”
The guidelines will be available online, allowing for updates and adjustments as needed. This flexible format ensures that parishes can always access the most current information.
“We opted for an online format rather than a hard copy so that we can make updates when required,” Dr Suart explained.
Photo: Justice Goodrick.
Benefits for parishes
The new RCIA guidelines are expected to be especially beneficial for parish priests, RCIA coordinators, and PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) coordinators working with children of catechetical age.
Dr Suart stressed that this resource is not aimed at catechumens or candidates themselves, but rather at those responsible for leading the RCIA process in parishes.
The guidelines are designed to promote consistency across the Archdiocese while allowing for the pastoral sensitivity needed in different communities.
As Dr Suart highlighted, “It is hoped that, while pastoral adaptations may be necessary, these guidelines will promote a firm foundation and standard of practice for the RCIA process across the Archdiocese.”
A renewed approach to initiation
The development of these new guidelines comes at a time when the Archdiocese of Perth is seeing a gradual increase in the number of people enquiring about joining the Catholic Church, particularly among young people.
The hope is that these new guidelines will help parishes respond more effectively to this growing interest, ensuring that the RCIA process remains vibrant and in line with Church teachings.
Looking ahead, the Archdiocese plans to launch a formation program for RCIA coordinators and catechists.
This initiative is in response to Pope Francis’s call for catechists to deepen their own faith before taking on the task of sharing the Church’s traditions with others.
Dr Suart noted, “RCIA coordinators and priests must have a deep understanding of the spirit of the Rite, be familiar with the particular directives of the process, and be alert to the specific needs of those seeking initiation.”
Moving forward
As parishes across the Archdiocese of Perth begin to implement these new RCIA guidelines, there is optimism that they will provide the clarity and direction needed to navigate the complexities of the Christian initiation process.
While it is still too early to receive feedback on how the guidelines are being received, there is great anticipation about their positive impact.
For more information or to access the new guidelines, visit the Archdiocese of Perth’s Office of Christian Initiation website at www.initiation.perthcatholic.org.au