The Sacramental Theology of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) (DL9111C)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit presumes a knowledge of and some experience in the implementation of the RCIA. It aims at deepening and broadening the understanding of the RCIA by studying the theology underpinning the Rite. The unit will explore the following topics: the role of Jesus and the role of the Trinity in the RCIA process; the theology of conversion; the meaning and praxis of catechesis; the theology and the historical development of the sacraments of initiation; the role of the word of God in the process of conversion; the theology of Church and of communion; the theology of ministry and of ministers of the RCIA; the theology and the relationship of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist; mystagogia as commitment, communion and mission.

Unit code: DL9111C

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Liturgy

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Explain the theology underpinning the RCIA and outline the main stages of its historical development;
2.

Evaluate an understanding of the theological and pastoral reasons for the Church’s revision of the initiation rites of adults since Vatican II;
3.

Interpret the theological principles underlying evangelisation, conversion, catechesis and mystagogia;
4.

Distinguish the relationship of the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist;
5.

Demonstrate a theological understanding of the sacramentality of the Word of God in the process of conversion.
6.

Define, plan and undertake a topic of research in a critically rigorous, sustained and self-directed manner.

Pedagogy

Lecture/Tutorial/Seminar

Indicative Bibliography

  • Capra, Elio. Called, Gifted, Sent: The Sacraments of Christian Initiation and the Triduum. Melbourne: James Gould House, 2010.
  • ———. Come and See: Resources for the Precatechumenate Thornbury: Des Books, 2015.
  • Irwin, Kevin W. The Sacraments: Historical Foundations and Liturgical Theology. New York: Paulist Press, 2016.
  • Marchal, Michael H. The Spirit at Work: Conversion and the RCIA. Franklin Park, IL: WLP, 2010.
  • Radcliffe, Timothy OP. Take the Plunge: Living Baptism and Confirmation. London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2012.
  • Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sydney: E. J. Dwyer, 1987. (recommended for purchase)
  • Turner, Paul. The Hallelujah Highway: A History of the Catechumenate. Chicago: Liturgical Training Publications, 2000.
  • ———. Celebrating Initiation. A guide for priests. Franklin Park, IL: WLP, 2007.
  • Wagner, Nick. The Way of Faith. New London, CT: Twenty-third Publications, 2010.
  • Yarnold, Edward. The Awe Inspiring Rites of Initiation: The Origins of the RCIA. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark, 1994.
  • Yamane, David. Becoming Catholic: Finding Rome in the American Landscape. London: Oxford University Press, 2014.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

4500 word essay

 4500 60.0
Essay

2500 word essay

 2500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 20 Jul, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-04-14 10:06:04 +1000