The bishop's quick start guide

As the chief steward of the mysteries of God, you have a particular concern for the preparation and baptism of adults. Here’s a quick check list of suggestions for tending to that concern:

1. Review the RCIA and ask your pastors and pastoral associates to do so as well.
2. Appoint officials in the offices of worship, religious education, evangelization, and initiation who are competent in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
3. Require a course of study and apprenticeship for the candidates for the presbyterate and deaconate in the implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. (Click here for a schedule of Vision of Initiation Ministry Conferences for Clergy sponsored by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate.)
4. Consider being in the cathedra for questions from the neophytes during Easter Week.
5. Preach mystagogically during the 50 days of Easter.
6. Set the minimum age for sponsors in your diocese. Canon law requires a minimum of 16 years. The local ordinary can determine a higher age.
7. Review the adaptations by the bishop in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (paragraph 34).
8. Continue preaching on the four most important doctrines of the faith.