The RCIA Sub-commission 
of the 
Diocesan Liturgical Commission

 The RCIA Sub-commission’s objective is to assist the Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus provide guidance for areas pertaining to how formation and liturgical catechesis are addressed for those who seek to become members of the Diocesan Catholic community. Its specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• To offer hospitality to all those involved in the RCIA process of evangelization
• To support development and clarification of the RCIA process
• To foster ongoing formation of RCIA team members and every parish community (i.e. all the baptized) through the dissemination of research, scholarship, and practicum.
• To assist in the preparation of the RCIA Liturgical Rites
• To serve as a resource to parish RCIA directors and team members in their implementation of the RCIA

The RCIA Sub-commission works with the Office of Liturgy in the preparation of various guides and handbooks which will help those in this ministry. The following guides and handbooks are available or are under development:

Handbook for the RCIA Director 
Handbook for the RCIA Team
Handbook for Sponsors

There are two major liturgical celebrations that the RCIA Sub-commission, working with the Office of Liturgy, plans and celebrates with the diocesan bishop:

Each year (on the First Sunday of the season of Lent) the bishop invites all those who are preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation during the Easter season to come to the Diocesan celebration of the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. Those who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil will be asked to sign their name in the Book of the Elect and those from other Christian traditions will be asked to bring a copy of their baptismal record and add them to our ceremonial books. These actions celebrate their next step on their faith journey.

On the Feast of Pentecost, the bishop invites those who entered the church through the Easter Sacraments of Initiation to celebrate Mass with him. This Neophyte Mass is held at the Cathedral with a special blessing for all who entered the Church.

The RCIA Sub-commission is working with other diocesan offices to develop special formation  for parish RCIA teams.

The North American Forum provides special formation programs throughout the country. Their web site can be consulted for more information.

RCIA teams and directors might find a new website (TEAMRCIA.COM) helpful in the creation and support of the parish's RCIA process.

Send your questions or comments to the RCIA Sub-commission email address.