What about the Eastern Rites?

Posted on August 5th, 2008

Q. How often do RCIA programs include information on the other Churches in the Catholic fold (Maronites, Byzantines, etc.)? I know from my wife’s RCIA experience and from those of my friends (former catechumens and leaders alike) that they are rarely discussed if ever?

A. The frequency of mentioning the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church depends upon the RCIA leader and catechists in a given RCIA team. These rites should at least be introduced in a summary fashion during the catechumenate. In the RCIA Participant’s Book (part of the On the Journey Series of RCIA materials), we recommend giving the participants the handout under Special Topics that is titled: “What Is a Rite?“

Tags: Eastern Rites
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