No, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) does not supersede the Sunday liturgical readings.
Here's why:
* The Liturgical Year is Primary: The Sunday readings are part of the Church's liturgical year, which is a framework for celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These readings are chosen to reflect the season (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ordinary Time) and provide a consistent cycle of Scripture readings for the entire Church.
* RCIA Adapts, Doesn't Replace: The RCIA process *integrates* with the liturgical year. It's designed to lead catechumens (unbaptized persons preparing for initiation) and candidates (baptized Christians preparing for full communion) through a spiritual journey that aligns with the Church's liturgical celebrations.
* Scrutinies and Presentations: During Lent, the RCIA includes special rites called the Scrutinies and Presentations, which involve specific Gospel passages. These are *added* to the regular Sunday readings, not substitutes. The Sunday readings still take place, and the added RCIA-related readings supplement them.
* Instruction Builds on Liturgy: The instruction given during RCIA sessions refers to the Sunday readings and helps the participants understand their meaning and significance in the context of the faith. It complements the liturgical experience.
* Unity of the Church: The Sunday readings provide a shared experience for the entire Catholic Church. RCIA participants are part of the wider community, and sharing in these readings is part of their integration into that community.
In summary, while RCIA has its own specific readings and rituals, it operates *within* the framework of the Church's liturgical year and does not replace or supersede the Sunday liturgical readings.