The
Office for the Catechumenate
Liturgical Principles used for preparing and celebrating the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults
General Principles
 | Liturgy is the
action of Christ done through his body, the church.
| Liturgy is the
action of the entire church and not just a particular local
community.
| In liturgy we pray
what the church believes.
| Liturgy shapes and
forms us as Christ's people.
| In liturgy, the
Church expresses its identity.
| Liturgy is not only
an expression of our faith, it is also a rehearsal for the
kingdom of God. It gives us a taste of the kingdom. | |
Principles for Liturgical Preparation
| Liturgy is a
symbolic language. It should not be minimized.
| Music is an integral
and necessary part of liturgy.
| Simplicity, honesty,
and authenticity are guiding principles for everything
concerned with liturgy.
| Good Liturgy
Identifies the heart of RCIA. Be careful not to make a minor
element of the rite a major feature.
| Do not neglect the
environment.
| Appreciate how
ritual works. It may be messy.
| Whatever is done, do
it deliberately, genuinely, and authentically.
| Less can be more.
| Let the rites speak
for themselves. Allow for silence and be sensitive to the
rhythm of the rite.
| Critique, evaluate,
and record all that occurs (for next time). Make it better. | |
Some Principles of Liturgical Adaptation
| Know the Rite
thoroughly. Understand the theology underlying the rite.
| Know where the rite
itself allows or suggests adaptation.
| Understand the real
constraints of your community. Accept limitations.
| Adapt only for
genuine reasons, not simply for the sake of novelty or
creativity.
| Don't minimize the
Rite for the sake of convenience. | |
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