More Information on RCIA for Children

In order to fulfill your desire for your child we invite you to join in the Catholic Church’s process of welcoming new members called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (referred to as the RCIA).   

At the Second Vatican Council (1962 - 1965), the Bishops reinstated the ancient tradition of Christian Initiation called the catechumenate (RCIA).  This process became the way any person over seven years of age was to be initiated into the Church.  Completing the RCIA results in a member’s full initiation into the Catholic Church by receiving three sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  The Bishops believed that this was a more comprehensive way of preparing people for entry into the church.   

St. Augustine has an RCIA for adults (college age and older), and a version for children 7 years or older.  

It is our hope that your child will not only learn about God and the Church, but will deepen his or her relationship with Jesus and feel at home in the Catholic Church.

The RCIA is a year-long process broken into four periods  

The First period is sometimes known as the period of Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate.  This period began when your child first asked about God or about religion.  It is a time for you and your child to ask questions, pray together and develop a relationship with the Catholic Church.  For those families participating in the RCIA for Children, this occurs mostly at home and in the context of their participation at Sunday Mass.  Perhaps some families will even have enrolled the children in a Vacation Bible Schol or some other form of Religious Education/Faith Formation.   

The Second period is named The Catechumenate.  This is a time in which you will deepen your relationship with Jesus, with Scripture and with the Catholic Church.  This period usually begins when the family enrolls their child in the RCIA for Children and registers her/him in the appropriate level religious education program.  During this period the child and family will attend Mass every Sunday.  This period usually begins with the first class of Faith Formation in September and continues until the first Sunday of Lent in March.  

The Third period of the initiation process, called the Purification and Enlightenment, takes place during Lent.  Children who enter this third period complete their preparation for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  They and their parents are asked to attend the Sunday 11:30 am Mass each Sunday during Lent.  At that Mass, the children will be dismissed just after the Gospel is read and will go to special formation sessions with their religion teacher.  This period runs from the beginning of Lent until the first Sunday after Easter, which is usually in April.  

The actual celebration of the sacraments is scheduled for the Sunday after Easter.  At the 11:30 am Mass on that Sunday, the children are baptized, confirmed and receive their First Communion.  As Catholics we believe sacraments are visible signs of God’s presence.  So we make an extra effort in this celebration to make the signs stand out!  We believe that God communicates with us through the signs and symbols of the sacraments – bread, wine, oil, water, etc.  “Grace” is a word used to describe God’s presence in our lives.  This presence is what is communicated through sacramental signs and symbols.  

After Easter the Fourth period of Christian Initiation is called Mystagogia.  This period begins in May, just after the celebration of the sacraments and is on-going.  It is a time to pray about the sacraments your child has received and look forward to living a life as a baptized disciple of Jesus Christ.  Parents should make sure as a part of this on-going commitment that the children continue to be enrolled in religious education. 

Parent Action and Involvement  

• Make sure your child is properly enrolled in the correct age appropriate faith formation programs.  You can do this on-line or by picking up a form in the parish office. 
• Assist your child in arriving for classes on time and ready to learn, 
• Work with your child to choose godparents.  There is an on-line form to submit this information.  Click the link on the bar to the left. 

In addition, here is a list of ideas that parents can do at home to support and nourish faith development.  Please adapt them to your own needs and family situation.   

1.  Read the Bible.  Begin by finding a bible translation that is appropriate for your child.  You can ask Tom Rinkoski, the Parish Faith Formation Director for advice, or just go shopping at the local Books-A-Million, Borders or Barnes and Noble.  Set aside time each day, (or several times a week) that is convenient for everyone and read the Bible together.  Choose a place in the house that is quiet and comfortable.  If you cannot afford to purchase a Bible, please let us know and we will help you get one.  Start with the Bible stories you recognize;  

• The Creation 
• The Ten Commandments 
• Noah and the flood 
• Jonah and the Whale 
• David and Goliath 

Then move on to the stories of Jesus found in the four Gospels.

2.  Pray with your child.  You can begin by simply reading or reciting some of the basic Catholic prayers like the Our Father, Hail Mary, The Sign of the Cross or Glory Be.  There are books available in the parish Faith Formation Office that you can borrow or purchase.  You might also write out a few prayers on an index card.  Eventually your child will begin to take these prayers to heart, and will no longer need a book.  Listen for those times when your child asks about the meaning of the words.  Mealtime is another excellent time to pray together.    

3.  Attend Mass with your child.  One of the best ways for your child to get to know the Catholic Christian Community is by attending church on Sunday.  It is the time to check out who we are and what we believe.  In every pew you will find missalettes that you can use to follow along with prayers of the Mass.  Take time to acquaint yourselves with these books and use them during the Mass so you and your child can pray the responses together and read as well as listen to all of the readings from the Bible.  

4.  Talk about what is happening with your child.  This is an important transition for your child and you need to be present for him/her.  Ask questions about what they are learning in the religious education and RCIA sessions.  Tell stories about your own faith journey.  Connect them with others whose faith journeys you respect and admire.  Mark these moments by your undivided attention, quality time, and, if possible special gifts.