"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

What is RCIC?

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) is open to all children between the ages of 7-14, whether baptized or unbaptized. Children will be preparing to receive the sacraments they have missed since Baptism. 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.

Although it may seem to be a wide range of ages to have in one class, accommodations will be made depending on the members of the class. With larger classes, general instruction will be given to the entire class, and then children will be broken up into small groups with activities and discussions tailored to their age group.

When do classes meet and what is covered?

RCIC classes will be held during the fall and early spring in between the 9:00 & 12:00noon Sunday Masses. Classes will be held from 10:15-11:30a.m., and will focus on the sacraments, faith, basic beliefs and practices during class meetings. Understanding the importance of attending weekly Mass will be stressed and the Mass parts will be covered in the curriculum.

The RCIC team not only includes the teacher and the children, but the parents/guardians also. The true success of the program hinges upon the follow-through of the family in teaching the faith at home, and making sure the family is actively participating in parish life.

Every child will need a Sponsor for Baptism. The sponsor will be someone other than a parent, who will support and encourage the child in his/her Catholic life. The sponsor must be a Baptized and Confirmed Catholic, who is over the age of 16, and is an active and faithful Catholic.

Topics

• The Human Search For God, Revelation & Faith
• Creation & The Trinity
• The Story of Salvation & our Role in History
• Jesus Christ, the Word Made Flesh
• One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church
• Sin, Our Call to Holiness, & Prayer
• Sacraments I: Baptism & Confirmation
• Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Christian Life
• The Sacrifice of the Mass
• Sacraments II: Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Reconciliation, Marriage
• Ten Commandments: 1-3
• Ten Commandments: 4-10
• Mary & Communion of Saints

What will discussions and class meetings look like?

Depending on the size and make-up of the students in the group, topics and level of discussion will be altered to fit the RCIC candidates and catechumens. It is our greatest hope to cater to the specific age and knowledge of faith of each child. Regardless, classes will be held during the fall and early spring. Participants must be registered by August 27th, 2010 for the annual sessions. Any other participants registering at a later date will be invited to join the following year’s classes.

For STA school children who need to receive sacraments, our best efforts will be made to prepare them so that they may continue to learn at the pace of their classmates at STA. Depending on the sacrament needed and their family’s faith history, we’ll prepare them as a group or individually for each sacrament and incorporate them into the life of the school and parish.

Public school children will be asked to join PSR following the completion of their RCIC classes to continue their education in the faith and involvement in the community; this will aid in helping to jumpstart a faith community for them at their specific age level. They may also join PSR upon arrival (prior to joining the RCIC program) if they would like to get involved mid-semester at STA.

Scheduled Dates for the Fall 2010 will be determined in the spring.