RCIA Question and Answers
- The husband of one of our catechumens has been coming to the RCIA sessions. He has been away from the Church and is accompanying her in hopes of growing in his faith. Can he make a profession of faith at the Easter Vigil?
- If we do not have elect can we celebrate the Scrutinies with the candidates?
- We have a young man who is a foreign exchange student from the Czech Republic. He expressed interest in becoming a Catholic at Christmas but will not receive his sacraments until the summer. Can he be part of the Rite of Election?
- We have a woman who is Catholic but has been away from the Church for many years. She has been studying with the RCIA each week. Can she be part of the Rite of Election?
- In our parish, we have a mother who is returning to the Church. Her 11 year old daughter has never been baptized. She is just beginning the RCIA process for children. Is it necessary for her to be in the Catechumenate for a full year? Why?
- At a baptism, is it permitted for the priest or deacon to pour the water and another person to say the words of baptism?
- Who can be a godparent?
- Can a white stole be used at the baptism and/or confirmation of a child or adult as the white garment called for in the Rite?
- Is it possible to have two godmothers or two godfathers at the celebration of Infant Baptism?
- Is it proper to include the candidates in the Rite of Presentation of the Creed and Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer?
- Are the scrutinies for the Elect only?
- May a parent be a sponsor at Confirmation of their son or daughter?
- If a child was confirmed at baptism may they be presented for a blessing at the celebration of Confirmation of the class?
- Where is it stated that candidates in the RCIA process should receive the sacrament of reconciliation before the Vigil?
- Is there any flexibility in a 4th grade girl in RCIA only receiving the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist at East Vigil? The mother would like her daughter to keep going through formation and receive Confirmation in 9th grade with her classmates.
- At the Easter Vigil may the pastor confirm Baptized Catholics completing their initiation through the RCIA process?
- Who from the RCIA group should be part of the dismissal from Mass?
- Are there any changes in the Rite of Confirmation?
- Is it necessary that baptized, uncatechized adults preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist celebrate the Rites preceding their reception into full Communion?
- May a divorced or remarried person be accepted into the Order of Catechumens? What about a person married to someone who has been divorced?
- How many intentions may there be for any particular Mass?