Liturgical Principles used for preparing and celebrating the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults

General Principles

• Liturgy is the action of Christ done through his body, the church.
• Liturgy is the action of the entire church and not just a particular local community.
• In liturgy we pray what the church believes.
• Liturgy shapes and forms us as Christ's people.
• In liturgy, the Church expresses its identity.
• Liturgy is not only an expression of our faith, it is also a rehearsal for the kingdom of God. It gives us a taste of the kingdom.

Principles for Liturgical Preparation

• Liturgy is a symbolic language. It should not be minimized.
• Music is an integral and necessary part of liturgy.
• Simplicity, honesty, and authenticity are guiding principles for everything concerned with liturgy.
• Good Liturgy Identifies the heart of RCIA. Be careful not to make a minor element of the rite a major feature.
• Do not neglect the environment.
• Appreciate how ritual works. It may be messy.
• Whatever is done, do it deliberately, genuinely, and authentically.
• Less can be more.
• Let the rites speak for themselves. Allow for silence and be sensitive to the rhythm of the rite.
• Critique, evaluate, and record all that occurs (for next time). Make it better.

Some Principles of Liturgical Adaptation

• Know the Rite thoroughly. Understand the theology underlying the rite.
• Know where the rite itself allows or suggests adaptation.
• Understand the real constraints of your community. Accept limitations.
• Adapt only for genuine reasons, not simply for the sake of novelty or creativity.
• Don't minimize the Rite for the sake of convenience.

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