Becoming Catholic: The Essential Guide to RCIA, Baptism, and Confirmation
Length: 5 hours
Are you or someone you know considering becoming a Catholic? Or perhaps you are involved with ministry and interested in knowing more about the history, theology, and process rites of baptism and initiation? This engaging audio course, taught by one of Catholicism’s leading experts, is just what you need.
Rev. Michael Witczak (Prof., Catholic University), an leading expert in liturgical history and the sacraments, will lead you through the scriptural origins, historical context, and practice of initiation rites. Designed for anyone involved with Catholic adult initiation or infant baptism, it is a perfect resource for pastors, parishes, initiates, family members, and sponsors.
First, you will explore the scriptural origins of the ritual for bringing someone into the church. Secondly, you will look at the early church, seeing how three sacraments emerged from the original ritual unity: baptism, confirmation, and first Eucharist. Finally, you will carefully examine the ways we currently celebrate these sacraments, deepening your understanding of the church’s practices. As you move through this course, you will encounter the personal journey to Christ in the church. What does it mean to encounter the living Lord? How does one participate in God’s gift of life?
You will discover the answers to these questions and many more. Through these lectures, you will gain deep insights into the church and its sacred rituals.
Study Guide
01 Introduction: Entering the Life of Christ
02 Initiation in the New Testament
03 Initiation Before the Peace of the Church
04 Initiation in the “Golden Era”: The 4th and 5th Centuries
05 Initiation in the Middle Ages
06 Reformation and Response
07 Vatican II and the Reform of the Liturgy
08 Adult Initiation, Part I: Becoming a Catechumen
09 Adult Initiation, Part II: Catechumenate and Rite of Election
10 Adult Initiation, Part III: Lent, the Easter Vigil, and Beyond
11 The Rite of Baptism for Children
12 Rite of Confirmation