New guidelines for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults are set to be launched next month.
Led by the Office of Christian Initiation, the new guidelines have been developed over the last 12 months to assist parishes in implementing the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults process with renewed vibrancy.
The Archdiocese of Perth has typically welcomed more than 100 new Catholics each year across the 105 parishes.
Director for the Office of Christian Initiation, Dr Carmel Suart said that although the responsibility for the Christian initiation of adults belongs to all the baptised, parish priests, the Director of the Office of Christian Initiation and RCIA parish teams are charged with a special responsibility to ensure that the liturgical, catechetical and pastoral norms of the RCIA process are carried out according to the Rite.
“In order to do this with pastoral sensitivity, RCIA coordinators and priests must have an 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,” Dr Suart said.
“In presenting these guidelines, it is hoped that while pastoral adaptations may be necessary, they will promote a firm foundation standard of practice for the RCIA process across the Archdiocese,” she said.
The resource, explained Dr Suart, is in keeping with the directives outlined in The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (1972).
“It acknowledges that each parish community is unique and will adapt the process and resources offered to their own circumstances.
“It also recognises that the Holy Spirit works in each person’s life in a way best suited to them.
For more information about the launch and the new guidelines, contact the Office of Christian Initiation at christian.initiation@perthcatholic.org.au or contact 08 6104 3696.