Paula H. Penepent, Coordinator
Phone: (716) 847-5505
Fax: (716) 847-5593
Email: rcia@buffalodiocese.org

The baptism of Kerry Baxter at the Easter Vigil, St.  Joseph Church, Fredonia

The Office for the Catechumenate, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is responsible for continuing the implementation of the catechumenate as envisioned by the Vatican II Council with its adaptation for children. The mission of the office is to serve the catechumenate under the Bishop's direction which is to "take steps toward restoring the instruction of adult catechumens or toward adapting it more effectively." (Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church Christus Dominus, no. 14)

Lent From the "Rite" Perspective

Welcome and hospitality are at the forefront of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. As we have grown in our understanding of the Rite we realize that hospitality means we are ready for the “Inquirer” whenever they knock on our doors…and thus a yearlong process. Have you considered provisions that should be in place for a person who may knock at your parish doors who has a disability?

To be truly welcoming to people our formation and celebration of the Rites should be such that every person is able to participate to the fullest degree possible. The Handbook on the RCIA from the Archdiocese of Hartford’s website states the following,

“Provisions should be in place so that persons with disabilities seeking Initiation can be warmly welcomed by the parish community. Their participation in the catechumenate and their celebration of the sacraments of Initiation is to be encouraged to the fullest degree possible.
Since one of the goals of the catechumenate is to integrate the person into the Church, persons with disabilities are ordinarily to be taken into the catechumenate process with others, rather than as a separate group. If a separate group is deemed necessary, persons with disabilities should participate in the common liturgical rites and undergo a common course of catechesis (adapted to the person’s abilities. Every effort should be made to emphasize the fact that they are one with their fellow catechumens and candidates. They should also be provided with the same opportunities to meet other member of the parish community and to participate in parish life and the mission of the Church to the extent that they are able to do so.
Special efforts by the parish may be required in order to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities during the catechumenate process. Since disabilities and individuals vary widely, catechists with special skills may be needed (e.g. education teachers, sign language interpreters, Braille or audio-taped resources, speech or language specials). Transportation to the catechetical sessions or the Sunday liturgy may be needed.
The catechumenate team must develop sensitivity to the needs of persons with disabilities and find ways to meet them creatively within the resources of the parish.”
Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Religious Education, RCIA Guidelines January 17, 2003

The Diocese of Buffalo, through the Office for the Catechumenate in collaboration with the Office for People with Special Needs of the Department of Lifelong Faith Formation is here to assist you as your catechumenate truly becomes a place that says, “all are welcome!”