The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults Introduction 1. The Order of Christian Initiation described below is designed for adults who, upon hearing the proclamation of the mystery of Christ as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts, consciously and freely seek the living God and undertake the journey of faith and conversion. By God’s power and in their own preparation, they will be strengthened with spiritual help and at the proper time will fruitfully receive these Sacraments. 2. For the Order includes not only the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, but also all the rites of the catechumenate, which, commended by the very ancient practice of the Church and suited to contemporary missionary work in all regions, was so widely requested that the Second Vatican Council decreed that it should be restored and revised, and adapted to local traditions.1 3. So that it may be better harmonized with the work of the Church and with the circumstances of individuals, parishes and missions, the Order of Initiation presents in Part I of this book the complete or usual form, suitable for the preparation of many (nos. 36-251), from which, by a simple adaptation, pastors may obtain a form appropriate for one person. Then Part II of this book provides rites for special cases: the Christian Initiation of children (nos. 252-330), a simpler form of the rite for adults which may be carried out on one occasion (nos. 331, 336-369) or in several celebrations (nos. 332-335), as well as a shorter form for those in danger of death (nos. 370-399). Part II also includes guidelines for preparing uncatechized Catholic adults for 1 Cf. Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, nos. 64-66; Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church, Ad gentes, no. 14; Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church, Christus Dominus, no. 14. 1 2 3 USA
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