Rite of Christian Initian for Children and Teens
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Adapted for Children and Teens is open to all children and teens between the ages of 8 and 16, unbaptized or baptized. RCIA is the process through which we welcome children and teens into full communion in the Catholic Church. During the gradual process of initiation, the children and teens who hope to become Catholics spend time learning about the Catholic faith. The sessions are designed to help facilitate conversion and to educate the children and teens in the Catholic faith and prepare them for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. While doing this, they learn about our history, beliefs, rituals, spirituality and much more. This is a time of learning and forming a close intimate relationship with God.
For children, this is a family process and depends deeply on the parents. The parents must ensure that the child attends Mass and all sessions, learns formal prayers and how to talk to God, and experiences a Catholic environment at home.
The Sacraments of Initiation
The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist together are called the Sacraments of Initiation. These three sacraments are the foundation of the Catholic Christian life; every Catholic should receive all three sacraments. Children who are brought into the Roman Catholic Church through their families are usually baptized as infants, receive their first communion as children, and are confirmed somewhere in their teens. There are many variations on this timing.
Those who join the Church as adults and children over the age of seven who have not been baptized receive all three sacraments. The adults, teens and children who have been baptized in another Christian faith or in the Catholic faith will receive the sacrament of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
RCIA Guidelines for Parents
1. Parent participation (or designated adult over the age of 18) at EVERY SESSION IS MANDATORY.
2. Children may not be dropped off. The parent or adult (over the age of 18 ) must stay for the entire session each week.
3. Very young siblings should not attend the sessions. It is too distracting for the catechist and for the other children.
4. Attendance at Mass every Sunday in addition to sessions is essential. We will attend the 9:30 Mass together whenever possible and then a little break for donuts and restroom and the session will follow from 11 -12 noon.
5. Godparents or Sponsors play a very important role in your child’s spiritual life and serve as role models of faith. Your child should be able to look to his or her Godparent/Sponsor as an example of how the church teaches us to live our Catholic faith. Godparents/Sponsors need to be Baptized, Confirmed and have received their First Communion and if they are married, married in the Church.
