Order of Christian Initiation of Adults Ritual Edition

The new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults was recently approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and confirmed by the Apostolic See. The new translation may begin to be used on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024. The mandatory use date is Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

LTP’s beautifully designed book edition of the Order of Christian initiation of Adults displays the ritual and Scripture texts and chants with dignity and clarity for those who proclaim them and those who listen to them. The design eliminates page turns wherever possible, and the use of two colors differentiates rubrics from what is to be proclaimed. The line length for the prayer texts and Scripture readings gives a pleasing proportion to the page as a whole and assists the reader in public proclamation of the text. Its design and layout represents an effort by LTP to provide parish ministers with a dignified ritual book helping lead the many rituals that are part of the Christian initiation process.

Features include:

• casebound book with foil stamp on front cover and spine
• three ribbon markers bound into the book
• acid-free paper to prevent discoloration over time
• pagination designed to reduce disrupting page breaks

This ritual edition also includes newly engraved chants for the following:

• Blessing of Oil for use during the Anointing of the Catechumens
• Celebrant's Instruction before the Litany of Saints at the Easter Vigil
• Litany of Saints
• Blessing of Water (Option A)
• Invitation to Prayer before Laying on of Hands at Confirmation
• Collect Prayer at the Laying on of Hands at Confirmation

On the Cover:

"Then Jesus approached and said to [the eleven disciples], “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

This edition of The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults has been designed with careful attention to the significant role the baptized have in leading new disciples to the waters of the font and embracing a life rooted in Jesus’ Great Commission.

The outer rounded cruciform shape of the cover illustration is based on ancient quatrefoil baptismal fonts that emerged in fourth-century Rome and were common in North Africa and in the East. This particular image was inspired by an architectural design found on the floor of the Chapel of Cardinal James of Portugal in Florence, Italy. Beyond the obvious sign of the baptismal font, the four lobes call to mind the fluid process of initiation that involves four distinct periods. The number four can also point to the four evangelists, whose writings are central to the formation of new disciples.

The quatrefoil shape is suggestive of a compass. The compass displays four directions: north, south, east, and west. Decorating each of the four lobes are flowers that represent the diversity of the Universal Church, which new Christians are being initiated into: the Easter lily (universal usage), dogwood (North America and Asia), plum (Asia), Easter cactus (South America).

Three levels of triangular circles lead to the center of the image, three overlapping circles representing the Most Holy Trinity. The three levels point to the three major steps in the Christian initiation process, steps that lead new Christians into the divine dance that is the Trinitarian relationship.

As per the USCCB, orders may begin shipping November 1, 2024. This revised ritual edition may be used as of December 1, 2024 (First Sunday of Advent). Mandatory use begins Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.