Explores and clarifies the Church of England's thinking about baptism, confirmation and admission to communion, addressing some very practical questions in relation to ministry.

Drawing on research carried out as part of the Baptism Project, and making helpful connections with popular catechetical material from sources such as Pilgrim, Simon Jones considers how, where, and for whom rites of Christian initiation are celebrated, and how baptism has been rediscovered as fundamental to the Church’s identity and mission. Very little has been written recently about the celebration of rites of Christian initiation. Focussing primarily on the material in Common Worship (including the new texts for baptism) as well as drawing on other liturgical traditions, this book fills the gap with a concise yet comprehensive treatment that takes full account of the latest needs and developments.

This innovative approach to the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation is built on the belief that children grow in faith best when their parents and parish community accompany them on their faith journey.

The Common Worship liturgy for Christian Initiation, covering the rites of Baptism, Confirmation and Penitence.

The recent retranslation and US adaptation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults can be seen as the work of the Second Vatican Council continuing to unfold, fulfilling the council’s mandate to draw up texts and rites so that they “express more clearly the holy things that they signify” (Sacrosanctum concilium, 21). In this present volume, A Pastoral and Theological Commentary on the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, fourteen authors—all scholars and pastoral ministers steeped in the Church’s living liturgical tradition—help us appreciate this unfolding more deeply by presenting the historical development and theological significance of the OCIA rites and texts, thus enriching our pastoral practice. Introductory essays present a contextual foundation, including discussion of historical and theological roots and an exposition of Christian Initiation: General Introduction Then, following the structure of the OCIA, eight chapters of commentary concentrate on each stage of Christian initiation, from acceptance into the Order of Catechumens through the Period of Mystoagogy, including chapters on the Rites for Particular Circumstances. Further commentaries on the musical enrichment of the rites and on the newly revised National Statues for the Catechumenate round out this panoramic, yet accessible, view of the rites of the OCIA. “This book is for anyone ministering in or studying Christian initiation. We believe it offers a deep understanding of the rites for both those long familiar with this process and those fairly new to it. For those who wish to pursue further study, either casual or in-depth, a vast array of endnotes and bibliographies offer plenty of suggestions” (editor Victoria Tufano, from the introduction).

The resource also aids initation ministers as they help catechized and uncatechized baptized Christians seeking to be received into the Church to discern God's movement in their lives. A chapter focused on children provide initiation ministers with an understanding of how to discern the reasons for initiation with the parents and child as well as the needs of the child.

This resource forms Christian initiation coordinators in the many aspects of their role. It provides the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, outlines the roles of the coordinator in animating the parish and forming the team, and presents catechesis as framed within liturgical prayer. The Role of the Coordinator in Christian Initiation offers many practical tips to help the process flow smoothly in the parish.

The Forum Essays series is a cooperative effort of The North American Forum on the Catechumenate and Liturgy Training Publications. The purpose of the series is to provide a forum for exploring issues emerging from the implementation of the order of Christian initiation. They are a great resource for anyone involved in initiation ministry, and especially for pastors and RCIA directors.

This resource guides priests through the periods and steps of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, pointing out their role as a shepherd to the community. A table provides an easy reference to the steps and periods of the process.