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RCIA for Children & Teens
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What is RCIA for children (RCIA-C)?
RCIA for children is a process that invites any child aged 7 to 14 interested in searching the Catholic Faith to discover what the Catholic Church teaches and believes. It is a process that the Church created to bring into full communion with the Church all those who, for whatever reason, have not been Baptized (by the age of 7) or have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Who belongs in RCIA-C?
- Unbaptized children and/or teens (Children over the age of 7)
- Children baptized in another Christian faith
- Children who may be baptized but who have not practiced their Catholic faith regularly.
RCIA-C classes are split into two programs:
1. Students that are new to RCIA-C will begin their journey with our Family Faith Program. Family Faith Formation is the religious education program for families with children enrolled in grades Kindergarten through eighth grade. These classes will be the foundation for your child’s readiness to receive the sacraments. After a period of at least one year, we will evaluate your child’s readiness to enter the RCIA-C process. Readiness will be determined by several factors which include successful completion of family faith formation classes. For more information about this program please visit our web page at: https://www.stlukesparish.org/family-faith-formation2. In the second process the RCIA-C team will communicate with the Family Faith Formation team and will determine student readiness to enter the direct sacrament preparation process. RCIA-C consists of weekly classes which include a reflection on the weekly Gospel and instruction to prepare your child for becoming a full member of the Catholic Church. We will start each week at Mass, and they will participate in the Mass through the homily before being dismissed for their classes. When they have successfully completed these classes, they will receive the Sacraments of Initiation which include baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist.
There is no set length of time for the process as each child is unique and must be adapted to their growth in faith and understanding the importance of receiving the sacraments. Parents also have a significant role in the process as they inspire their children to embrace their faith journey and encourage the children to practice what they are learning at home. Mass attendance, classroom participation, and a willingness to learn are all required components of the RCIA-C process.
Once your child enters the full communion with the Catholic Church, we encourage them to continue with the Family Faith Formation process to continue their faith journey and to stay connected to the St. Luke families. Afterall, you would not end your child’s school studies at a young age. We must not end our religious education studies at a young age either.
If you would like more information, please contact our office at: 904-282-0439
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For more information or If you are interested in your child being enrolled in the RCIA-C program Please contact the office at (904) 282-0439
or email rcia@stlukesparish.org -
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