The “Introduction” section of RCIA provides priests, deacons, and catechists with important information and guidance necessary for understanding the structure of RCIA, the formation process, and implementation of its various steps and periods.

This course is suitable for adults, and seniors.

This set of videos is designed to guide facilitators and Catholic educators, whether they are priests, deacons, or catechists, through some of the main content found in the “Introduction” of the RCIA Study Edition, approved for use in the dioceses of the United States by the USCCB and confirmed by the Apostolic See.

The topics we’ll cover include:

  • Intended recipients of the RCIA program
  • Structure of the RCIA
  • Ministries and offices: faithful, sponsors, and godparents.
  • Ministries and offices: bishops, priests, deacons, and catechists
  • The time and place of Christian initiation
  • Christian initiation outside of the usual times
  • Adaptations approved by Bishops’ Conferences, the bishop, and ministers


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: Introduction with 'Certificate of Completion'

    • How to get your 'Certificate of Completion'

  • 02

    Lesson 1 - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Introduction

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 1 - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Introduction - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 1 - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Introduction - VIDEO

  • 03

    Lesson 2 - Structure of The Initiation of Adults

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 2 - Structure of The Initiation of Adults - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 2 - Structure of The Initiation of Adults - VIDEO

  • 04

    Lesson 3 - Ministries and Offices: Faithful, Sponsors, and Godparents

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 3 - Ministries and Offices: Faithful, Sponsors, and Godparents - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 3 - Ministries and Offices: Faithful, Sponsors, and Godparents - VIDEO

  • 05

    Lesson 4 - Ministries and Offices: Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Catechists

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 4 - Ministries and Offices: Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Catechists - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 4 - Ministries and Offices: Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Catechists - VIDEO

  • 06

    Lesson 5 - Time and Place of Initiation

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 5 - Time and Place of Initiation - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 5 - Time and Place of Initiation - VIDEO

  • 07

    Lesson 6 - Initiation Outside of The Usual Times

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 6 - Initiation Outside of The Usual Times - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 6 - Initiation Outside of The Usual Times - VIDEO

  • 08

    Lesson 7 - Adaptations Approved by Bishops Conferences, The Bishop, and Ministers

    • Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 7 - Adaptations Approved by Bishops Conferences, The Bishop, and Ministers - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 7 - Adaptations Approved by Bishops Conferences, The Bishop, and Ministers - VIDEO

Reviews; See what others are saying about this course

Tammila Whalen

5 star rating

“Video script was very helpful. Concise overview of the Introduction. Excellent.”

“Video script was very helpful. Concise overview of the Introduction. Excellent.”

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Hilvy Vasquez

5 star rating

“This is very easy to follow and the videos are short and they discuss the topics very clearly...I suggest this for all teachers of the faith.”

“This is very easy to follow and the videos are short and they discuss the topics very clearly...I suggest this for all teachers of the faith.”

Read Less

Martha T Curreri

5 star rating

“I liked the fact that there was a video script available with the lesson. I made notes and referenced words that were unfamiliar. RCIA - The mention of liturgical rites was informative as it explained the rites of a convert. ”

“I liked the fact that there was a video script available with the lesson. I made notes and referenced words that were unfamiliar. RCIA - The mention of liturgical rites was informative as it explained the rites of a convert. ”

Read Less

Cathy Divine

5 star rating

“Thank you so much for providing this platform of information. It truly was a blessing!”

“Thank you so much for providing this platform of information. It truly was a blessing!”

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Sylvia Zavala

5 star rating

“Excellent course of study!”

“Excellent course of study!”

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Joanna Lannin

5 star rating

“Excellent course.”

“Excellent course.”

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Dr Tumwebaze Alfred

5 star rating

“So much information that all Catechist need to know. Excellent course.”

“So much information that all Catechist need to know. Excellent course.”

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Winnie Valencia

5 star rating

“Very helpful!”

“Very helpful!”

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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