Ee anaes to new evangelization in on historical and cultural context thot ‘= undergoing constant Lwansformetion" Pope Francis Address to Congregation for Coole Eeation,Febriary 2014 Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) / Confirmation of Adults Instruction on the Catechesis «At all times» Preface 1 Atal times, when people getin touch with the Good News of Christ often the desire arses tobecome his disciple. There isnot only this one momentinalife whichmight be the right, ‘one: God is always at workin ur life, but the kairos'- the supreme moment - comes a time which no one knows in advance (Matthew 25:13). The Church as tobe ready to respond properly tothe seekers supreme moment: «For the Church, evangelizing means bringing the Good News into all the strata of humanity, and through its influence ‘transforming humanity from within ané making t news (EN 28). This Instruction Is the programmatic answer tothe koiros of adult seekers inthe Apostolic Vicariate of Southern ‘Arable (AVOSA) ef. CIC 851°). 2. The Church of VOSA faces the particular situation of a Church of Migrants This situation Ismarked by high level ofvolatity, bya melting pot of nationalities, cultures languages and even of several diferent Churches eu urs. This special stuatien requires special answers to questions which do not arise inthe local churches of origin ofthe Catholic {althul herein the Gulf (ef. GDC no. 200) 3. The high level of voatity often creates unstable situations forthe faithful. Economic challenges and changes can cause sudden movements. Pastoral ministry and faith {ormation have to handle these situations carefully and with respect. 4. Every parish in the Vicariate with its communities of rite or of language, its history, ts ‘raditons size and is structural conditions demands adaptations and adjustments of ‘his present Instruction in response tots particular needs. 5. The initiation of adults is primar a response to a vocation and a decision forthe secker and forthe Church a mandate t invite It should not be seen solely asa requirement for any sacramental life inthe Church. For the seeker itis his/her individual answer to God's call salah 43:1). Pastoral care, which recognises every single personas God's creature, il lead to succesful inition when itis conduct In person-centered, caring and merciful way.The Weys of Initiation of Adults in AVOSA 6. The initiation of adults isa special mission of the Church inthe Gulf However, AVOSA. follows two ways: the complete process of RCIA and the preparation of adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation only as the completion of their catechess of initiation According to this the participants fellow elther the RCIA Catechesi o the Catechesis for Adult Confirmation (¢f. GDC no. 176). 7. How each parish of community pursues the goals of adult catecheuis depends on its conditions. In general two situations can be distinguished: In larger arishes there are {lasses and courses for adult catechess. In smaller parishes and communities where only 2 few individuals express their wish for the sacraments of initiation they will be accompanied in very small groups or in face-tofaceeatechess 8. Inthe case of a large number of interested persons the mutual exchange of experiences Is easier, but the single individual i at risk of being overlooked with his/her needs and {questions The dscernment regarding the proper preparation fr inittion proves to be ‘more difficult. n smaller groups of face-to-face catechesis the eatechts can handle the Individual situation easier, but priests and catechiss have to pay attention that the ‘meaning and experience of the Church asa community of the falthfl also preserved RCIA Catechesis 9, RCIA Catechess is attended by those who want to be baptized (Catechumens) or be received into the Catholic Church (Candidates). Also adult candidates for the Sacrament, of Confirmation afe invited to attend the RCIA Catechesis as a prearation for their Confirmation. They will recelve only the Sacrament of Confirmation at the end of the course (¢f. GDC no, 172, There might aso be Catholic fitful who wish to attend the RCIA Catechesis because of interest: for deepening their faith et. They will not undergo, the Rite of ination, but they wil attend and complete the course as nteested faithful They are also to be regarded with care. 40, RCIA Catechesis in AVOSA is conducted according to the Order ofthe Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA of the Universal Chueh, Includes sx dimensions: knowledge ‘ofthe faith turgiea fe, moral formation, prayer, belonging to community, missionary split (RCIA 34.1), 11, RCIA Catechessis a the same time a way of developing a mature and reflective Christian spirituality and acquiring a deeper understanding of the Christian message (cf. GDC no. 175) therefore requires sensitive pastoral care as well as profound teaching. 12, RCIA Catechesis follows the Catechism of the Catholic Church and bears witness to the profound richness of the Catholic faith (2Peter 3:5). tt helps us to understand the * 90 eden: ind tums aul Rarauces/ee/RCA pl downeaded on september Sth 2016)3. ‘meaning ofthe Churc’s teachings asa source of fe a adscple of ests, RCA Catechesis, |s the place where the rch treasures ofthe teachings and traditions of the Universal ‘Church are opened and revealed tothe Catechumens and Candidates. At the same time CIA Catechess follows the concerns ofthe Catechumens and Candlates and reflects their if asthe place in which God has always been working by the power of the Holy Split It makes the Catechumens’ and Candidates’ hearts eburing within thems (Lake 2485), CIA Catechesis is a holistic program which cls forthe involvement both ofthe pastoral, ‘ministers of the Church aswell asthe lay faithful as witnesses oftheir faith according the following order (¢. GOC 220-232} 8. The Bishop/Apostoic Vicar as the head ofthe Particular Church isthe Shepherd who knows that «the harvest plentiful» (Matthew 9:37) and ke sends labourers who care for those who are seeking Christ. 'b, The Priests and Religious n the parishes bear the primary responsibilty for the Intation of Adults and provide stuations and places which are welcoming and Which show an interest inthe future disciples. & The Adult Catechsts are able tobe witnesses who reflect thelr own ath and teach the knowledge which nutures the fre of the Catechumenens’ and Candidates’ “buring hearts <4. The Parish as the loco! Community of the Faithful isthe place where the life of Chis’ eiscpls i ved out. So the community of fitful opens its doors andlets ‘the Catechumens and Candidates know the fullness of tse. 14, RCIA Catechess is structured inthe following way according tothe RCIA: '& Catechesis ofthe Period of Evangelization and Precatechumerate (RCIA nos. 36- 40) covers iL Introduction othe Bible (content, history, meaning, use) Ti. Introduction to the lif of prayer Ui, Testimonies from afferent parishioners (aml, singles, .) Fist step of ntiton: Acceptance nto the Order of atechumans (RIA nos. 43-47) © Catechess during the Period of Catechumenate (RCIA no. 75) covers the folowing subjects: Iv. Uturgical Year v. Greed vi. Sacraments vi, Mary & The Saints Vil Cathole Social Doctrine / Morality 4, {tis the responsiblity ofthe parish priest and the catechist to add other subjects according tothe needs and abilities ofthe Catechumens and Candidates (RCIA no 78) €. Therrtes which belong tothe Period of the Catechumenate (RCIA nos. 81-96) are an Integral part ofthis period and they are to be celebrated st the appropriate stages ofthe catechetical wayf. The optional rites (RCIA nos. 98-104) are to be celebrated according to the situation ofthe parish Second step of inition: Eletion or Enrolment of Names (RCIAneE 105-125) Catechess forthe Period of Purfcation and Enlightenment (RCA nes. 225-127) I Uturgiealcatechess Introduction inte the meaning of conscience and repentance Di. Retreat in every-day life il, Reflection on the meaning of Let, the Paschal Triduumand especially the Paschal Mystery forthe personal spiritual fe |. The catechess forthe Period of Purification and Enlightenment characterized by an intensive and sensitive spctalaiecton more than by teaching an passing on knowledge J. Therites(Srutinies/ Presentations) which belong tothe Periodof Purification and Enlightenment (RCIA nos. 128-136) are tobe celebrated in an appropriate manner taking account both of the requirements of the RCIA and the situation ofthe parish The Easter Vigil shall be the moment of baptism and confirmation or reception With confirmation ifthe situation of the parsh does not require a diferent solution. Parish priests have the facuty to be ministers of the sacraments of Initiation of adults unless the Apostolic Vicar wishes these sacraments to be administered by hse (CIC $863). |L_ The Neophytes afterwards are invited to follow the Period of Mystagogy according to thelr individual situations. n adeltion to participation in the Sunday mass they will have the opportunity for regular attendance at spirtual tks, bible studs, joining ministries in the parish etc. This variety has to be praposed during the catechism classes Catechesis for Adult Confirmation 1s. 16. ‘catechess for Adult Confirmations part ofthe enti Catechess of Adult ntation. These ‘andldates who attend this catechess are baptized and non-confrmed Catholic fitful who for various reasons were notable to receive the sacrament ealer so the full RCIA Ctechess isnot necessary f they wish they might follow the fll way of Catechesis of ‘Adult Initiation, in which case they wil not celebrate the Rte of initiation, but wil attend ‘the catechess and conclude the course withthe Sacrament of Confirmation which willbe celebrated ina particular celebration. ‘The Sacrament of Confirmation for Adults isthe conclusion oftheir way of nitation. The reception ofthe sacrament completes thelr baptism even if the the baptism took place long time ago. There might ea general hai to ask forthe Sacrament of Cnfematon because ‘ofthe requirement ofthe Chuteh orn view of a forthcoming mariage, but ow the candidatesshoul be ready to receive the Sacrament of Conimatin by ther own cle asthe completion of thee Chetan intatin, 27. Catechesis for Adult Confirmation has to consider the skuation ofthe rien, As wives and husbands, fathers and mothers, co-workers, unemployed people et. they bring their personal situations of life into the catechism classes which have to be respected. CCatechess for Adult Confirmation i frst ofall pastoral ministry. 18. The catechism classes are the place where the candidates can reflect and share their own ‘experiences with others and enough time has tobe allowed fora every gathering. 419. The pastoral ministers have to ensure the fuller integration of the candidates into the ‘community of faithful. The candidates have to find @ way how to live more completely within the community ofthe fitful who will help to prepare the sol for every candidate ( atthew 12:1-8) ina mutual understanding. 20. The catechess lasts 2 minimum of one month, How often the participants gather in that time depends on the parish. In between the Candidates have to take responsibilty ‘themselves regarding thelr initiation: through mass attendances, prayer groups, private Fefletion et. For that they have to be invited and instructed clearly 21, Teaching of the Catechess of Adult Confirmation covers the following subjects: il. Uturgeal Year wv. Creed vv Sacraments sv Mary & The Saints ei, Catholic Social Doctrine / Morality 22.1t Is the responsibility ofthe parish priest and the catechists to add other subjects according tothe needs and abilities ofthe candidates. 23, Catechesis for Adult Confirmation willbe concluded withthe celebration ofthe Sacrament. of Confirmation which wil be administered by the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia In particular situations the parsh priests of AVOSA can request fr permision to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation (f CIC $82) ‘The Cotechsts 24. The parish pres ofthe local parish appoints flthul of his parish awitnesses» (cf. N23) who are clstinguished by thet falth formation, commitment, sensitivity and experience of lie (Eph 4:11-13). tis desirable that their commitment has been demonstrated over an ‘extended period, 25. At the beginning the new catechist wil work as an assistant adult catechist. He/she wl assstthe senior catechstn team teaching, theres face-to-face catechesis, the assistant ‘atechst wil assist the senior eatechist after prior consuitation with the cancdate 26, After assisting one RCIA Catechess or tree catechism courses for Adit Confirmation the ‘adult catechist team leader can recommend the assistant catecist for a facilitators training, for example the Online Tealning Course ‘ROI’ ofthe Univers of Dayton, Ohio{at the expense ofthe parish). The final decision regarding the attendance ie made by the [AVOSA Office of Christian Formation, Abu Dhabi, based on the writter recommendation ofthe parish priest 27. After the assistant catechist has successfully completed the training, he/she becomes 3 senior catechis and is granted permission to conduct adult catechesis, 28, ll the adult catechsts of one parsh form the adult catechist team which i guided by 2 priest or anther clei, a religious ora senior catecist of this team who is appointed to leadership by the parish priest. The team helps the individual catechss to reflect their ‘own way of catechesis and to share experiences. Its the place where ongoing training for ‘the catechists is organized or given, The adult catechst team meets reguary to improve the quality ofthe catechesis. 28, For the same reason every catechst participates in regular training (atleast once a year); for example the annual AVOSA Catechist Conference or Dayton Online Courses (atthe ‘expense of the parish. The adult catechist team leader confirms ther attendance to the parish priest ‘Concluding Instructions ‘30. Ths Instruction provides the practical guideline for Catechesis forthe ination of Adults. Ithas tobe followed with pastoral wisdom 31. This Instruction specifies and concretizes the regulations for RCIA Catecesis, Beyond that - especallycegarding the celebrations of the rites- the requirements ofthe RIA apply 32. Te situation of individual parishes or communities in AVOSA ay requir adaptations and adjustments ofthis Instruction (¢f. GDC no. 214) These adaptations and adjustments Le. the local regulations - have to follow the given guidelines ofthe Vicariate and have to be approved by the parish pres for his parish and by the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia (RCIA 343). 33, For ths Instruction a period of transition of one year apples once it approved by the Apostolic Vea of Southern Arabla ‘Abu Dhabi, oD. Se en + Paul Hinde postlie Vea of Southern Arabia) "apasteral wisdom, However nies mre hank ‘thou odo sn tobe inl Belg 80 fo 9588 Scatien ett inert, ow hc om ud whet om fpreos Io rrt of at indo, esr ‘wisdom ivlves our knowing. being and ding (Paton, (200) Postrel Cre An Eset aie Nase ‘oradon res“Abbreviations ac Codex urs Canonie 1983 aN Paul Vi, Apostolic Exhortation Evangel Nuntiondl (8, December 1975) 0c Congregation forthe Clray, Genera Directory of Ctechesis, 1971 RIA Rite of Christian Intation of Adults (= Ordo initiations Christiarae Adulto) (references taken from: hts /www Runotce. or h/Resources/ies/ROA pd) Appendix Fullam, D. (2007). RCA. Catechst’s Manual. 2% ed. Clinton: Assocation for Catechumenal Ministry (ACM) For us as stud mater Morris. (1985). The RCIA. Transforming the Church, A Ressource for Pastoral, Implementation. 2 ed. New York: Pauls Press