In sum, lifelong formation is essential for all disciples in the Church, and the newest of these disciples greatly value it.

This distinction is integral to the RCIA, and RCIA diocesan leaders and bishops responses express concern about it. The dignity of Baptism is of great importance for all involved in this formation process. It is often mentioned that catechumens and candidates are often joined together throughout the RCIA because of a lack of resources, primarily time and people. This lack of resources, however provides opportunities to invite others into this essential ministry in the communities.

A major obstacle for many people to beginning the RCIA process or to being initiated into the Church is an irregular marriage. Many people in this situation evidently choose not to begin the RCIA. Others when they become aware of the fact that it is problematic withdraw from the process. It is also apparent from the study that some people in irregular marriages participate in the RCIA and find out late in the process that there is an obstacle to their full reception into the Church. This finding underlines the importance of having a personal interview with a pastoral leader before one formally enters the RCIA process in order to discuss the possibility of regularizing such a marriage.
 

Adaptation is of great importance for all involved in the RCIA. The Rite (and its General Instruction) challenges us to adapt its provisions when pastoral needs arise and calls all involved in the implementation of the RCIA to be open to such adaptation. The need for adapting the Rite primarily surfaced in the study with regard to the great ethnic and regional diversity across the United States. This rich diversity indicates that the Church is catholic in the full sense, embracing all peoples and cultures.  Indeed, it is a challenge that must be embraced by the local churches.