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The Rite of Christian Imitation of Adults is the result of the directives of the Vatican Council II for the restoration of the catechumenal process. Its promulgation in l972 by Pope Paul VI marked a significant shift in the practice of initiating adults in the Catholic Christian community; the local community forms men and women, responding to an often inexplicable call, around the word of God. Together they discern and welcome God’s invitation to embrace life in the Catholic Christian community. This leads to serving the mission of Jesus in the world.

 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a restoration of the ancient practice of initiation in the Church. Focused on conversion, candidates entered an extended period of formation and probation. The community ritually celebrates the conversion at various points on the journey, culminating with the celebration of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. An extended catechesis followed this to help the newly initiated to live the commitment they made: lives of justice, service and charity as witnesses of the reign of God. Initiation into the Christian Community is not concerned about programs that come and go. Rather, Christian initiation is concerned with the fundamental values of the Christian way of life. That is why the The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is not a program but a sacramental process. The Spirit empowers the believer to proclaim the gift received: liberation and redemption in and through the person of Jesus, the Christ.