Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults for Children (RCIAC)
Un-baptized
or un-catechized children (those without an education in the
faith) in grades 1 through 8 should be enrolled in this class
(referred to as Catechumens). Children baptized in another
faith (referred to as Candidates) must also attend these classes.
During the few decades since the restoration of the Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adults, the initiation of older children
has often involved complex parish situations. Catholic parents
of older children are returning to the Church and seeking
Baptism for their children. Children of other faiths are joining
their parents who seek initiation or full communion with the
Catholic Church. Children in Catholic schools desire membership
in the faith they have been taught for years. Coming to the
doorway of the Church today, are children and youth of many
different ages, some with willing, supportive parents and
others looking for support from the parish community. Welcoming
them, parishes today are trying to accommodate the needs of
this group during their journey of initiation.
The Rites
of Christian Initiation establish that adults and catechetical-aged
children are to be baptized, confirmed, and brought into full
communion with the Eucharist at the same celebration, specifically
the Easter Vigil. Canon Law supports the pastoral practices
in which children of catechetical age are initiated into the
Catholic Church through the preparation for and celebration
of the unified Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the
Eucharist. Conversion is both the route and the destination.
Preparation
for initiation includes the following elements for adults
and children:
•
The preparation is a process marked by stages.
• It occurs within a sponsoring community (parents /
guardians, household, sponsor, faith
peers, parish).
• It is marked by liturgical rites.
• It takes time for discernment of the candidate’s
readiness.
• It is celebrated around the Sunday Liturgy of the
Word.
• Conversion through faith sharing is the primary goal,
rather than simply the transmission
of doctrinal facts or information.
The program
meets on Sunday mornings, 9:45-10:45 AM, at the Fenmont Center,
from September through May, following the RCIA schedule.
We need
persons interested in being a part of a team to guide, share,
and lead by example to present the program to children who
truly desire to follow the ways of Jesus. If you feel called
to this ministry, please contact Alison Smith, 863-1040 ext
15.
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