RCIA for Children (RCIC)

What is the RCIA for children?
The RCIA-C is for un-baptized children between the ages of 7-14. It is a two year process. After these two years, the child will receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist during the Easter Vigil.

The Two years of preparation for RCIC looks like this:

• First year, your child will attend religious education class in their entering school grade level.
• Second year, your child will attend the RCIC Sacramental prep class and ultimately receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

RCIA for Children classes begin in the fall and end in the spring. There will be certain Rites the child will need to attend which are celebrated in the church and are combined with the Adults at the same Mass.

Is a sponsor/godparent needed?
Yes, sponsors/godparent of these children has very important roles in this process. Sponsors and godparents should attend the sessions regularly with the children to help them engage in dialog with the catechist and each other. In addition, the sponsor participates with the child at all ritual celebrations including the rite of Welcome/Acceptance, the Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and Rites of Initiation at Easter Vigil.

What are the sponsor/godparent qualifications?
To qualify as a sponsor/ godparent a person must be an adult age 16 or over and must be a confirmed and practicing Catholic. Proof of these qualifications may be required. A qualified godparent (who must be other than the parent) is required in addition to the qualified sponsor parents. The parish will provide sponsors or godparents to children in certain circumstances if the situation merits.