RCIA Adapted for Children
-
Contact Us
-
Coordinator of Children's Ministry
-
-
WHAT IS R.C.I.A.?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the norm for initiation of all adults; it applies also to children of catechetical age (generally age seven) since under our Code of Canon Law they attain the status of adults at the age of reason in regard to sacraments of initiation. (RCIA 18) Thus, any unbaptized child over the age of reason, who desires to become Catholic participates in the Christian Initiation process which leads them to the celebration of the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist (Holy Communion). The RCIA process is adapted to meet the specific needs of children and youth.
-
Who should be in the RCIA program for Children?
The RCIA for Children is a process that invites any child in 3rd to 10th grade interested in being baptized or receiving any other Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist and/or Confirmation) that they have not received.
If you are one of the following, than RCIA for Children is for you:- Children who have never been baptized.
- Children baptized in another Christian faith.
- Children who are beginning their Catholic formation in the third grade year or later.
Like RCIA, this process is accomplished in a comfortable, friendly and informal environment designed for children and youth. Separate sessions of catechesis are presented throughout the year with the goals of developing a relationship with God, learning the pillars of the Catholic faith, and becoming part of the community at St. Thomas Aquinas. Certain Rites are celebrated in the church and are combined with the Adults at the same Mass.
In this parish, children begin RCIA for children in the fall. Entry into the Church has historically been at Easter after about nine months or more of preparation but for some children, who are not yet ready, this process can take longer. The needs of each child throughout the RCIA for Children process are individually taken into account. Near the end of the process, the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) are celebrated at the Easter Vigil or at the Confirmation Mass with the Bishop.Children who are 6 years of age or younger and have never been baptized, should apply to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
If a youth is in 11th or 12th grade has not been baptized or needs to receive First Communion and Confirmation, please visit the RCIA page for more information.2018-19 RCIA Adapted for Children Schedule
Please register for RCIA for Children in the form below, and a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Formation team will contact you soon.
RCIA for Children will meet on Mondays from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the
Youth Room at St. Thomas Aquinas on the following dates:- 10/15/18
- 11/12/18
- 12/10/18
- 1/7/19
- 2/4/19
- 3/4/19
One parent is expected to attend the classes with their child(ren), and children must also register and attend their grade-level faith formation class.
For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Darren Seibert, Director of Faith Formation, at formation@stabcs.org.