“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)

I want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth …. 

You owe it to yourself to learn all about Christ’s life and teaching and what the Church believes. The goal is exposure to the entire content of the faith—not just a few things sprinkled willy-nilly. It ultimately boils down to truth, and truth matters!

The Catholic Online School RCIA program is carefully designed to provide you with a systematic, comprehensive education in the divine faith of the Church. The goal is to make you “of the truth” by exposing you to the voice of Christ.

In this second section of the program, we explore “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery.”

In this section, we learn about the second pillar of the faith as it’s presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here are some of the topics you’ll learn about:

  •  The liturgy of the Church and the holy sacrifice of the Mass
  • The sacraments of initiation and the sacraments at service to communion
  • Christian funerals
  • Sacramentals, blessings, and popular devotions
  • Major and minor exorcisms
  • The Holy Rosary


From all of us at Catholic Online School: May Christ bless you on your journey of faith.

“The Celebration of the Christian Mystery" is broken up into 5 different chapters. 

In this course, students will work through Chapter 4.

Students will cover - 

  • Course 8 -  The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders
  • Course 9 - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony


Earning a certificate of completion in this online course is not a substitute for completing a parish-based RCIA program. The Sacraments of Initiation can only be conferred by a bishop or priest. This certificate means you have successfully completed a course of study that is intended to supplement your parish RCIA program.


Course curriculum

  • 01

    Introduction to RCIA - For Adults - The Celebration of the Christian Mystery - Chapter 4 with 'Certificate of Completion'

    • How to get your 'Certificate of Completion'
  • 02

    RCIA - The Celebration of the Christian Mystery - Course 8 - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • INTRODUCTION - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • SCRIPTURE READING -The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • VIDEO - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • QUIZ - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part I

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 03

    RCIA - The Celebration of the Christian Mystery - Course 8 - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • INTRODUCTION - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • SCRIPTURE READING -The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • VIDEO - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • QUIZ - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 2 - The Sacrament of Holy Orders Part II

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 04

    RCIA - The Celebration of the Christian Mystery - Course 8 - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • INTRODUCTION - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • SCRIPTURE READING -The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • VIDEO - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • QUIZ - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders - Lesson 3 - Why Can't Women Receive Holy Orders?

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 05

    RCIA - The Celebration of the Christian Mystery - Course 9 - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • INTRODUCTION - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • SCRIPTURE READING -The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • VIDEO - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • QUIZ -The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 1 - The Sacrament of Matrimony

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 06

    RCIA - The Celebration of the Christian Mystery - Course 9 - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • INTRODUCTION - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • VIDEO - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • QUIZ - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 2 - The Reality of Marriage

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 07

    RCIA - The Celebration of the Christian Mystery - Course 9 - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • INTRODUCTION - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • VIDEO - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • QUIZ - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 3 - St. Paul on the Christian Household

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 08

    RCIA - The Celebration of the Christian Mystery - Course 9 - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • INTRODUCTION - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • VIDEO - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • QUIZ - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony - Lesson 4 - Divorce, Irregular Marriages, and Annulments

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

For free. For everyone. Forever.

With God, you can learn anything

Reviews; See what others are saying about this course

Jeannette Ruiz

5 star rating

“The text that comprised a majority of the “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery” online coursework was relevant and engaging. My interest level increased with each lesson I completed and indeed I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit the Script...”

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“The text that comprised a majority of the “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery” online coursework was relevant and engaging. My interest level increased with each lesson I completed and indeed I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit the Scripture passages provided. 5 stars”

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Nikki Francis

5 star rating

“This was an interesting exercise as I have married a Catholic man and was always asked to go to church, but my husband never wanted to attend with me. I went alone a few times and felt out of place. I then decided to do the RCIA classes online and...”

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“This was an interesting exercise as I have married a Catholic man and was always asked to go to church, but my husband never wanted to attend with me. I went alone a few times and felt out of place. I then decided to do the RCIA classes online and Lo and Behold i'll be comfortable enough to go back to the church in no time - knowing that my knowledge about Catholicism is being nutured by these online classes and quizzes.”

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GARY CRUZ-ANDREWS

5 star rating

“Wow, most revealing and informative course have ever taken!!”

“Wow, most revealing and informative course have ever taken!!”

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Kathy Priddy

5 star rating

“The Celebration is the correct word for being active in the Christian Mystery. Love the course.”

“The Celebration is the correct word for being active in the Christian Mystery. Love the course.”

→Read Less

Instructor(s)

Instructor Bio:

Deacon Frederick Bartels is a member of the Catholic clergy who serves the Church in the diocese of Pueblo, CO. He received an MA in Theology and Educational Ministry from Catholic Distance University, where he is currently employed as an adjunct professor of theology. He is founder and editor of Joy In Truth (joyintruth.com), an online magazine dedicated to the New Evangelization. As a Catholic educator, public speaker and evangelist, Deacon Bartels strives to infuse culture with the saving principles of the gospel. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Shelly, and the youngest two of their six children. Professor Bartels is Chairman of the Theology Department.

Deacon Frederick Bartels

Professor of Theology, Department Chair