"This form of the rite of Christian initiation is intended for children, not baptized as infants, who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age (seven and older). They seek Christian initiation either at the direction of their parents or guardians or, with parental permission, on their own initiative. Such children are capable of receiving and nurturing a personal faith and of recognizing an obligation in conscience." Rite of Christian Initiation, Paragraph 252
The RCIA Adapted for Children process is a journey of conversion, learning, living the faith, and growing closer to Jesus and His Church. This is a journey for the whole family, and the process is designed to help your family become active disciples of Christ and participants in the community of faith. Your family's faith journey will include learning about God the Father, his Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; attending and participating in the Mass; Bible study; and participating and serving in the community of faith.
Although specifically designed for unbaptized children, we welcome baptized Christian children to join us on the journey.
Although specifically designed for unbaptized children, we welcome baptized Christian children to join us on the journey.
The RCIA Adapted for Children is a process that invites any child seven and older to discover what the Catholic Church teaches and believes. The process prepares unbaptized children and their parents to make a conscious choice whether or not they want to receive the sacraments of initiation offered by the Catholic Church (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). Children Baptized in another Christian faith and their parents discern their desire to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by a profession of faith and to complete the sacraments of initiation offered by the Catholic Church (Confirmation and Eucharist).
MY CHILD IS SEVEN YEARS OR OLDER AND...
HAS NOT BEEN BAPTIZED
This is the primary group of children involved in the RCIA Adapted for Children process.
WAS BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN FAITH
Yes! Although specifically designed for unbaptized children, we welcome your child to join us on the journey.
WAS BAPTIZED CATHOLIC
Children who have already received the Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic faith participate in Children's Faith Formation or Middle School Faith Formation.
The children and families in the RCIA Adapted for Children process have an opportunity to grow in their relationship with God, themselves, and the other children and their families who are also considering joining the Catholic Church.
By offering prayer, support, and example for those who are seeking Christ, the community of the faithful at St. Francis becomes an active, engaged, and important part of the RCIA Adapted for Children process as well.
By offering prayer, support, and example for those who are seeking Christ, the community of the faithful at St. Francis becomes an active, engaged, and important part of the RCIA Adapted for Children process as well.
The first step to explore the RCIA Adapted for Children process is to schedule a meeting with our Adult and Family Life Director, Melissa Silvestro, and let us together see how we can best help your child grow closer to Christ, grow in faith, and receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
"Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me." - Mark 9:37