Free RCIA Program Notes and Outlines

When I was an RCIA director, I used to get solicited all the time by companies selling expensive RCIA curricula, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars. These curricula were usually useless, full of wimpy theology and vacillating on moral issues. I therefore took it upon myself to create a brand new RCIA curriculum from scratch, free of all that progressive garbage and rooted in the teaching of the Catechism, the Scriptures and the Saints and Fathers. This curriculum took me two years to put together and countless hours of labor. I offer them to you free of charge for the benefit of your parish and for the sake of those who come to you seeking the word of truth.

That being said, please consider consider making a donation for the use of these files. You are welcome to them for free, but also remember my labors and perhaps consider sending a little something my way for the trouble. A donation of $5.00 per PDF lesson plan, or $7.00 per Power Point is recommended, but anything received is counted as pure grace. Click the title of each lesson to download the PDF or Power Point. May God richly bless you.

Please note, this website is owned by the publishing company Cruachan Hill Press. Cruachan Hill Press will appear on the Paypal donation page and your Paypal receipt.

Apologetics

Lesson 1: What is Truth? (PDF)
Lesson 1: What is Truth? (PPT)

We begin with fundamental questions about the nature of truth, the objective existence of morals, and the existence of God.

Theology

Lesson 2: Divinity of Christ and Proofs of the Resurrection (PDF)
Lesson 2: Divinity of Christ and Proofs of the Resurrection (PPT)

Who is Jesus Christ? Why do we believe in His divinity, and what proofs can we offer for the claims of His Resurrection.

Lesson 3: Divine Revelation (PDF)
Lesson 3: Divine Revelation (PPT)
(Addendum to Lesson 3: Pre-Conciliar Teaching on the Inspiration of the Scriptures)

What is Divine Revelation? In what ways has God communicated to man? What has He communicated?

Lesson 4: The Holy Trinity (PDF)
Lesson 4: The Holy Trinity (PPT)

An introduction to classical Trinitarian theology, covering the distinction between nature and person, appropriation, Trinitarian works, and much more.

Lesson 5: Creation, Angels, Devils and the Fall (PDF)
Lesson 5: Creation, Angels, Devils and the Fall (PPT)

Catechesis on the Creation of the material and spiritual world, as well as the fall of the angels and the fall of man through Original Sin.

Lesson 6: Incarnation and Crucifixion of Christ (PDF)
Lesson 6: Incarnation and Crucifixion of Christ (PPT)

This lesson discusses the theology of the Incarnation, including the classical formula of the Hypostatic Union, and the theological rationale for Christ’s atonement.

Lesson 7: The Church (PDF)
Lesson 7: The Church (PPT)

Introduction to Catholic ecclesiology, including Old Testament types of the Church, the spiritual mission of the Church, the three states of the Church, and more.

Lesson 8: Blessed Virgin Mary (PDF)
Lesson 8: Blessed Virgin Mary (PPT)

Explanation of the role of Mary in Catholic thought with brief explanations of the central Marian dogmas of the Church and introduction to Marian piety.

Lesson 9: Purgatory (PDF)
Lesson 9: Purgatory (PPT)

This lesson covers the reason for the Purgatory, explains what Purgatory is and is not, and highlights various Scriptural passages that point to Purgatory.

Lesson 10: The Last Things (PDF)
Lesson 10: The Last Things (PPT)

Lesson on Catholic eschatology, including Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell.

Sacraments I

Lesson 11: Sacraments and Liturgy (PDF)
Lesson 11: Sacraments and Liturgy (PPT)

This lesson introduces the basic definition of a sacrament, as well as the concept of liturgy, the proper ends of the liturgy, and the sacraments’ place within the liturgy.

Lesson 12: Baptism and Confirmation (PDF)
Lesson 12: Baptism and Confirmation (PPT)

Exposition of the sacraments of baptism and confirmation: their purpose, ritual, and effects.

Lesson 13: Eucharist (PDF)
Lesson 13: Eucharist (PPT)

This lesson teaches the traditional Catholic doctrine of the Eucharist, including the form and matter of the sacrament, the Sacrifice of the Mass, Real Presence, and effects of reception of Holy Communion.

Lesson 14: Sin and Confession (PDF)
Lesson 14: Sin and Confession (PPT)

This lesson explains the Catholic concept of sin, discussing the difference between mortal and venial sin, and explains the ins and outs of the Sacrament of Confession.

Lesson 15: Anointing of the Sick (PDF)
Lesson 15: Anointing of the Sick (PPT)

Everything you need to know about the sacrament of Anointing, including a teaching on the place of sickness in Christian life.

Morality

Lesson 16: Freedom and Happiness (PDF)
Lesson 16: Freedom and Happiness (PPT)

In what does human freedom consist? What makes us happy? What is the difference between happiness and pleasure? This lesson sets the stage for the study of morality and the commandments.

Lesson 17: The Moral Virtues (PDF)
Lesson 17: The Moral Virtues (PPT)
(Addendum to Lesson 12: Classifications of Law)

This lesson introduces the concept of virtues, including discussion of the cardinal virtues and theological virtues, as well as the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 18: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Commandments (PDF)
Lesson 18: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Commandments (PPT)

Lesson on the first three commandments concerning our obligations of worship and allegiance to the true God.

Lesson 19: 4th Commandment (PDF)
Lesson 19: 4th Commandment (PPT)

Exposition of the obligations of the Fourth Commandment, which concerns not only honoring our parents, but our relation to the government and authority in general.

Lesson 20: 5th Commandment (PDF)
Lesson 20: 5th Commandment (PPT)

This lesson unpacks the Catholic teaching on murder and all its implications.

Lesson 21: 6th and 9th Commandments (PDF)
Lesson 21: 6th and 9th Commandments (PPT)

This lesson explores the traditional Catholic understanding of sexual ethics and the various offenses against chastity that fall under the sixth commandment.

Lesson 22: 7th and 10th Commandments (PDF)
Lesson 22: 7th and 10th Commandments (PPT)

The lesson on the 7th and 10th commandments concerns the proper orientation towards wealth and created goods.

Lesson 23: 8th Commandment (PDF)
Lesson 23: 8th Commandment (PPT)

This lesson explains the Catholic Church’s teaching on lying and man’s vocation to truth.

Miscellaneous

Lesson 24: Church History Part 1, 33-1054 (PDF)
Lesson 24: Church History Part 1, 33-1054 (PPT)

This lesson is meant to give a very broad overview of the pivotal events of the Church’s history over the first Christian millennium.

Lesson 25: Church History, Part 2, 1054-Present (PDF)
Lesson 25: Church History, Part 2, 1054-Present (PPT)
(Addendum to Lesson 25: Understanding the Second Vatican Council)

Following the previous lesson, this lesson traces the development of the Church from the High Middle Ages to the present.

Lesson 26: Papacy and Hierarchy (PDF)
Lesson 26: Papacy and Hierarchy (PPT)

This lesson explains the hierarchical structure of the Church, as well as the role and authority of the Petrine ministry.

Lesson 27: Saints and the Communion of Saints (PDF)
Lesson 27: Saints and the Communion of Saints (PPT)

Introduction to the Catholic idea of saints, their role in Christian life, their veneration, and the process of canonization.

Lesson 28: The Mass (PDF)
Lesson 28: The Mass (PPT)

This lesson defines the Mass, discusses its various parts, and explores many of the prayers. It draws on both the Extraordinary Form and Ordinary Form for its explanations.

Sacraments

Lesson 29: Holy Matrimony (PDF)
Lesson 29: Holy Matrimony (PPT)

Explanation of the ends of marriage, the nature of the sacrament, and the Church’s teaching on the indissolubility of the marital covenant.

Lesson 30: Holy Orders (PDF)
Lesson 30: Holy Orders (PPT)

This lesson explains the sacrament of Holy Orders, including the distinction between the three major grades and the reservation of the priesthood to males alone.

Prayer

Lesson 31: Introduction to Prayer (PDF)
Lesson 31: Introduction to Prayer (PPT)

Introduces the concept of prayer, explains and defines the four essential types of prayer and basically follows the outline of the Catechism.

Lesson 32: The Lord’s Prayer (PDF)
Lesson 32: The Lord’s Prayer (PPT)

This lesson introduces the Lord’s Prayer and offers a brief teaching on each of the seven petitions.


Phillip Campbell, “Free RCIA Program Notes and Outlines,” Unam Sanctam Catholicam, December 9, 2011. Available online at http://www.unamsanctamcatholicam.com/2022/06/free-rcia-program-notes-and-outlines