As you know, it is important for those appointed and called to serve in the Catechumenate ministry, either as a parish coordinator or as a parish team member to have a basic understanding of the principals and best pastoral practices of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Ministry training is expected of all who serve in any ministerial capacity in the Church.
We encourage all parishioners who serve as a member of their parish Catechumenate (RCIA) team to participate in RCIA ministry training offered by the Archdiocese of New York.
Introductory Training for the Catechumenate (OCIA):
This ministry training course provides parish Catechumenate (OCIA) coordinators and team members with a general introduction to the basic principles and best pastoral practices of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (the Catechumenate). We offer this free ministry training course online and onsite to all interested adults at various locations.
For an outline of this introductory course, see:
The next Introductory Training for the Catechumenate (RCIA) will be offered on the following days:
In English:
- Saturday, February 8, 2025 | Time: 10am-4pm | New York Catholic Center, Manhattan, NY
- Saturday, June 7, 2025 | Time: 10am-4pm | St. John the Evangelist, Goshen, NY
In Spanish:
- Saturday, February 22, 2025 | Time: 10am-4pm | New York Catholic Center, Manhattan, NY
- Saturday, June 14, 2025 | Time: 10am-4pm | Bethany Retreat Center, Highland Hills, NY
Catechumenate Handbook: http://archny.org/wp-content/uploads/R.C.I.A-Handbook.pdf
Manual del Cateumenado (R.I.C.A): http://archny.org/wp-content/uploads/RCIA-Handbook-Spanish.pdf
Leadership Training for the Catechumenate (RCIA):
The Archdiocese of New York offers leadership ministry training to all assigned parish coordinators of the Catechumenate (RCIA). This training provides a comprehensive review of the 1988 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, covering the basic vision of the Catechumenate, its history, its order and the current best pastoral practices for its implementation. The Catechumenate ministry is critical to parish life and it is important that those assigned to lead this initiation process have a good understanding of the Catechumenate including the best methods for its full implementation in a Catholic parish.
The following are the leadership ministry training opportunities offered to all parish Catechumenate (RCIA) Coordinators in the Archdiocese of New York:
# 1 – Leadership Institute for the Catechumenate (RCIA)
The Leadership Institute for the Catechumenate is a two-day training that reviews the liturgical and canonical statutes of the Catechumenate (RCIA). It offers a comprehensive review of the Pre-Catechumenate, the period of the Catechumenate proper, the period of Purification & Enlightenment, and the period of Mystagogy. This Institute offers guidance on a variety of pastoral issues for the proper care of inquirers, catechumens, candidates, elect, neophytes and the newly confirmed.
# 2 – Workshop on Valid Baptisms, Confirmations, Marriages, Annulments & Convalidations
This workshop reviews the criteria for valid baptisms and confirmations. It also examines the rules concerning the marriage of catechumens, divorced and remarried persons, types of annulment cases, and convalidation of marriages. Direction is given for the proper pastoral care of those in the RCIA who have marriage issues.
The next Leadership Institute for the Catechumenate (RCIA)
July 26-27, 2025 | St. Frances Cabrini Shrine, Manhattan
# 3 – Forum on the Catechumenate (RCIA)
NOVEMBER 2, 2024
Online Registration for Parish Coordinators of the Catechumenate (RCIA) in the Archdiocese of New York
If you have been assigned by your pastor as the parish coordinator of the Catechumenate (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), please register your contact information online with the Archdiocesan Office of Adult Faith Formation.
Our Archdiocesan Office is eager to be of assistance to all appointed parish coordinators of the Catechumenate with ongoing communication, ministry training and support. If you have any question or concern with the Catechumenate, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 646-794-2574.