As a priest, deacon, or catechist involved in facilitating and teaching an RCIA program, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the various periods, steps, and rites incorporated in the formation process of the candidates for the catechumenate, as well as how previously baptized Christians can take part in RCIA.

This course is suitable for adults, and seniors.

In this series of videos, we’ll walk you through some of the main information found in the three appendixes of the RCIA. We’ll cover the following topics:

Appendix I:

  • Combining the Rite of Acceptance and the Rite of Welcoming
  • Sending catechumen for election and candidates for recognition
  • The Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion
  • Celebrating the sacraments of initiation and the Rite of Reception into Full Communion


Appendix II:

  • Acclamations, hymns, and songs


Appendix III:

  • Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, and Catechumens
  • Children of catechetical age, celebration of the sacraments of initiation, and mystagogy
  • Uncatechized adult Catholics
  • Reception into full Catholic communion


Rest assured, we’ve made every effort in this series of videos to provide you with the knowledge you need to facilitate an RCIA program with confidence.

May our Lord Jesus Christ bestow his grace and peace upon you, and support you in your work for his holy Church.

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Course curriculum

  • 01

    An Introduction to RCIA - For Catechists - Contents Appendices with 'Certificate of Completion'

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

    RCIA Contents Appendix I: Additional (Combined) Rites - Lesson 1 - Combining The Rite of Acceptance and The Rite of Welcoming

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 1 - Combining The Rite of Acceptance and The Rite of Welcoming - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 1 - Combining The Rite of Acceptance and The Rite of Welcoming - VIDEO
  • 03

    RCIA Contents Appendix I: Additional (Combined) Rites - Lesson 2 - Sending Catechumens for Election and Candidates for Recognition

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 2 - Sending Catechumens for Election and Candidates for Recognition - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 2 - Sending Catechumens for Election and Candidates for Recognition - VIDEO
  • 04

    RCIA Contents Appendix I: Additional (Combined) Rites - Lesson 3 - The Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 3 - The Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 3 - The Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion - VIDEO
  • 05

    RCIA Contents Appendix I: Additional (Combined) Rites - Lesson 4 - Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation and The Rite of Reception Into Full Communion

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 4 - Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation and The Rite of Reception Into Full Communion - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 4 - Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation and The Rite of Reception Into Full Communion - VIDEO
  • 06

    RCIA Contents Appendix II: Acclamations, Hymns, and Songs - Lesson 1 - Acclamations, Hymns, and Songs

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 1 - Acclamations, Hymns, and Songs - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 1 - Acclamations, Hymns, and Songs - VIDEO
  • 07

    RCIA Contents Appendix III: National Statutes for the Catechumenate - Lesson 1 - Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, and Catechumens

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 1 - Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, and Catechumens - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 1 - Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, and Catechumens - VIDEO
  • 08

    RCIA Contents Appendix III: National Statutes for the Catechumenate - Lesson 2 - Children of Catechetical Age, Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and Mystagogy

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 2 - Children of Catechetical Age, Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and Mystagogy - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 2 - Children of Catechetical Age, Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and Mystagogy - VIDEO
  • 09

    RCIA Contents Appendix III: National Statutes for the Catechumenate - Lesson 3 - Uncatechized Adult Catholics

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 3 - Uncatechized Adult Catholics - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 3 - Uncatechized Adult Catholics - VIDEO
  • 10

    RCIA Contents Appendix III: National Statutes for the Catechumenate - Lesson 4 - Reception Into Full Catholic Communion

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 4 - Reception Into Full Catholic Communion - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 4 - Reception Into Full Catholic Communion - VIDEO

Reviews; See what others are saying about this course

Bernadette Wood

5 star rating

“I found this really helpful for understanding some of the difficulties I have previously experienced preparing candidates and catechumens where the support from the Priest was ambivalent. Wonderful course.”

“I found this really helpful for understanding some of the difficulties I have previously experienced preparing candidates and catechumens where the support from the Priest was ambivalent. Wonderful course.”

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Kerri Scott

5 star rating

“These courses are simple to understand and full of knowledge. Exactly what I needed”

“These courses are simple to understand and full of knowledge. Exactly what I needed”

→Read Less

Kathleen Schomburg

5 star rating

“Brief. Understandable. Ready to get started!”

“Brief. Understandable. Ready to get started!”

→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