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RCIA Must Reads

Here are some printed resources we recommend for a better understanding of the theology and process of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults / the Catechumenate.

Guidelines for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in the Archdiocese of New York
These statutes have been written to provide pastors and parish catechumenate coordinators in the Archdiocese of New York with information and guidance on practical questions about the Christian initiation of adults and children of catechetical age.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Study Edition
This study edition enables everyone involved with the RCIA to have a “working” copy of the entire document. With ample margins for notes, sturdy but flexible binding, clearly numbered paragraphs in the introduction and texts, this edition is for study, reflection and preparation of liturgy. Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


Q & A on the RCIA: A Guide to Understanding Christian Initiation
by  Rev. Paul Turner

This book provides a quick reference for any member of the RCIA team and parish staff. It is divided by the four periods of the catechumenate process for easy reference. It gives practical guidance and wisdom to help direct initiation ministers. Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


The Catechumenate and the Law
by John M. Huels

Everyone who works with Christian initiation will encounter a predicament that only a knowledge of canon law can resolve. This helpful book reviews the various aspects of Christian initiation that are affected by the Church’s many sources of canon law, including the canons, the rite itself and various documents from Vatican II and from the Bishops of the United States. Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


An Introduction to the RCIA: The Vision of Christian Initiation
by Rev. Ronald J. Lewinski

This book articulates a clear and concise vision of the RCIA as well as practical suggestions for implementing the principles found in the ritual text. This is a ‘must have’ resource book for any person involved with the Catechumenate (RCIA). Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


Una Introducción al RICA: La Visión de la Iniciación Cristiana
by Rev. Ronald J. Lewinski

Este libro articula una visión clara y concisa para el RICA, así como sugerencias prácticas para implementar los principios que se encuentran en el texto ritual. Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


La Iniciación Cristiana: un Recurso Básico
by Miguel Arias, Walter Fircowycz, Richard E. McCarron, Arturo J. Pérez-Rodríguez, Tim Piasecki, Juan J. Sosa, and Richard Vega

Veintisiete ensayos pastorales escritos originalmente en español que ayudan a todo el equipo de Iniciación Cristiana a un entendimiento más profundo por medio de la explicación histórico-pastoral de las distintas etapas del catecumenado, así como de los ministros y ritos que forman parte de este proceso-celebración de renovación en la Iglesia. Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


The Role of the Coordinator in Christian Initiation: A Pastoral and Practical Guide
by  Dr. Donna M. Eschenauer

This book leads coordinators through the text of the RCIA as it presents an overview of the steps and the periods of the process. Besides providing the vision of Christian initiation, this resource gives practical steps at the end of chapters with concrete ways to implement the rite. 

The appendix offers samples of forms to use. This is a ‘must have’ resource book for any person involved with the Catechumenate (RCIA). Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


Year-Round Catechumenate
by Mary Birmingham

The RCIA describes an initiation process that exists at the heart of the Church’s life and on the same schedule as the Church: every day, all year long. While that may sound overwhelming and unimaginable, Birmingham carefully explains how it is not only possible but also the best stewardship of the gifts and talents of initiation ministers. She then walks the reader step by step through the periods and rites of the RCIA, providing helpful insight along the way.  Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


The RCIA: Transforming the Church
by Thomas H. Morris

The most up-to-date resource book on the RCIA available that offers general guidelines and practical directions on specific areas of pastoral concern. This is a ‘must have’ resource book for any person involved with the Catechumenate (RCIA). Order from Paulist Press.


Guide to Adapting the RCIA for Children
by Rita Burns Senseman

This book is the perfect resource for anyone involved in the Children’s Catechumenate. Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


Guide for Celebrating Christian Initiation with Children
by Rita Bruns Senseman, Victoria M. Tufano, D. Todd Williamson

This resource explores how to celebrate the rites of Christian initiation in ways that are appropriate to children. This book provides a historical overview of the development of the initiation of children. It shows how to prepare children and their families for full participation in the rites. Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


Sunday Dismissals for the RCIA
by Mary K. Milne, O.S.U.

This practical book takes to heart Jim Dunning’s statement, “Don’t dismiss the dismissals.” It offers parishes a loving way, based on the Scriptures of each Sunday, to send their catechumens from the assembled community. Order from The Liturgical Press.


The Living Word, Leading RCIA Dismissals:  Year A, B, C
by Victoria Tufano, Biagio Mazza, Mary A. Ehle & Leisa Anslinger

This is an easy-to-use resource that provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with unbaptized adults preparing for full initiation. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal catechesis an easy and prayerful experience. Order from Liturgy Training Publications.


Breaking Open the Lectionary: Cycle A, B, C
by Margaret Nutting Ralph

For those involved in the RCIA the phrase breaking open the word is very familiar. This series of books offers all that a facilitator of the breaking open of the word would need to help the catechumens connect with the Sunday readings. Order from Paulist Press.


Celebrating the Rites, A Practical Guide: Foundations in Faith
by B. Duggan, R.Ferrone, G. Gensler, S. Lanza & D. Steffen

This book is part of a volume of books in the Foundations of Faith series, published by Resources for Christian Living / Benziger. It is an excellent resource and guide to those responsible for the preparation and implementation of the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults.


RCIA: An Evaluation Tool for Your Parish
This self-assessment tool is presented in a blackline master formation to assist parish leaders understand more clearly the vision of the RCIA, enabling a better evaluation process for the parish catechumenate team.  Order from Resources for Christian Living.

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