RCIC
(Rite of Christian Initiation for Children)
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children
Is open to all children between the ages of 7-14, baptized or unbaptized. These classes also will serve as education for those children who are wishing to join the Catholic Church. Whether your family is just entering the Church, is returning after a time away, have decided as a family to delay the child’s sacramental preparation, or any other circumstance, all are welcome.
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.
REGISTRATION
June 1 to August 27 Online Registration.
Visit our website for details. http://www.straphaelelpaso.com/religousformation
Registration
Unbaptized children who have reached 7 years old. Documents needed at the time of registration:
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Birth certificate
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Tuition Fee $50.00
$10.00 Drop fee on and after August 31, 2024.
CLASS DATES
9 months program
The class days are every Sunday. We participate in the 9:30am Mass
First Day of Class Sunday September 10th, 2023
CLASS TIMES
8:40am to 12:00 pm
MASS ATTENDANCE
We participate in the 9:00am Mass
RETREAT
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children Retreat TBA
SPONSOR
Each Candidate will need a Sponsor. The sponsor will be someone other than a parent, who will support the child in his or her Catholic Journey. The sponsor must be a Baptized and Confirmed Catholic, who is over the age of 16, and is in good standing with the Catholic Church. The sponsor will fill out a sponsor registration form.
RCIAC CLASSES WILL BE STARTING SOON
If you or someone you know wishes to be Baptized in the Catholic faith and are at least 7 years of old, this is your opportunity to achieve your goal.
RCIA is the process in which unbaptized children prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and first Holy Communion).
The primary purpose of RCIC is the unbaptized children who have reached 7 years old.
RCIC consists of four periods of formation: Pre-Catechumenate Period; Period of the Catechumenate; Period of Purification and Illumination and the Post-baptismal Period of catechesis / Mistagogy.
This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. For some, this process involves a long period of searching; the unbaptized have contact with people of faith and a personal faith experience lead people to inquire about the Catholic Church. After a conversation with a priest, or RCIC director, the person, known as an "inquirer," may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, through the Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, the inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.
CATECHUMENATE
During this time, the Catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God's inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means. When a Catechumen and the priest and the parish team working with him or her believes the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election. Even before the Catechumens are baptized, they have a special relationship to the Church. The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect.
The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
RETREAT
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children Retreat on
TBA From 7:00am – 1:00pm
RECEPTION OF THE SACRAMENTS
Sacraments of Initiation the Easter Sunday Mass Sunday MAR 31, 2024 at 9:30am
MYSTAGOGY
Pentecost Sunday
MAY 19, 2024. 9:30am Mass
As a newly initiated Catholic, they continue their formation and education continue in the Period of the Post Baptismal Catechesis, which is also called Mystagogy. This period continues at least until Pentecost. During the period the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities.
As a newly initiated Catholic, will receive their Certificates immediately after Pentecost Mass; there will be a reception in the Parish hall where the sponsors, friends and families are welcome to join the neophytes.