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Guidance for Parishes for Christian Initiation of Adults

  1. Overview for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
  2. Forming a Parish Team for Christian Initiation of Adults
  3. Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
    1. Inquirer’s Interview/Information Form (in English)
    2. Entrevista al solicitante/Formulario de información (en español)
    3. Information from the Tribunal
  4. First step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
  5. Period of the Catechumenate
    1. Breaking Open the Word – Cycle A
    2. Breaking Open the Word – Cycle B
    3. Breaking Open the Word – Cycle C
    4. A Dismissal Session Outline
  6. Second Step: Election or Enrollment of Names
    1. – Rite of Election Coordinator Memo – January 2026
    2. – Rite of Election Registration Forms – 2025 (all registration forms are required)
      1. Catechumens Registration Form
      2. Candidates Registration Form
      3. Parish Participation Registration Form
    3. Rite of Election Materials
        1. Name Tags
          Catechumens/ Godparents tags
          Candidates/Sponsors tags
          Presenter of the Book of the Elect
        2. In case of snow
  7. Period of Purification and Enlightenment
  8. Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
  9. Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
  10. Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church
    1. Sample Certificate for Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church
    2. Pastoral Guidance Regarding the Conditional Baptism of Those Seeking Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church
    3.  Admission of an Orthodox Christian into the Catholic Church in Other than their Parallel Ritual Church
  11. Record Keeping
    The following registers are to be maintained diligently with regard to required information and record keeping:
    •  Register of Catechumens, after the Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (see RCIA, no. 46);
    •  Book of Elect, prior to the Rite of Election (see RCIA, no. 132);
    •  Register for Baptism, after the Sacraments of Christian Initiation (see Christian Initiation, General Introduction, no. 29);
    •  Register for Full Communion of the Catholic Church (see RCIA, no. 486).

Christian Initiation of Adults

Christian Initiation Cathedral Plan 2024-2025 which may be used for guidance

Periodic Mailings Archive

Important Information from the Tribunal
Important Information from the Tribunal p. 2 

Video Overview of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults in Three Parts
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Webinar for the Use of the Revised English Translation of
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Workshop: Forming a Parish Team for Christian Initiation of Adults

Application of the Christian Initiation of Adults
in a High School Setting

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Sacramental Preparation Guidance for School Age Children When They Register for School and Religious Education Programs

Schools, Religious Education Programs, and Sacraments

Christian Initiation Resources

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Confirmation for School-Age Children

Altar Server Notes for Confirmation

Frequently Asked Questions