RCIA for Children

What is RCIA?
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. RCIA is a faith formation process for adults and children over the age of 7 who desire to learn about the Catholic faith and who are considering joining the Catholic Church. In this process, each adult and child will grow in their faith and relationship with God, and learn more so they may become Disciples, and full, active, participating Catholics.
It is most important to understand that RCIA is not merely a new way to prepare adults for Baptism. Baptism is one of the sacraments conferred. The goal of the process is Full Communion and full, conscious and active participation in the Eucharist and in the whole life of the Catholic faith community.

RCIA helps individuals to grow in relationship with God, to become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices, to get acquainted with others in the parish community and to become involved in service within the community.
Why do we call RCIA a “Process” and not a “Program?”
We do not refer to RCIA as a program, but instead this is a process. This is because we consider this a lifelong journey. The moment you first thought about the Catholic Church, whether it was attending school, reading the Bible, meeting someone who is Catholic, baptizing your child Catholic, or anything else.
Each moment is part of your faith journey. And these moments continue long after you join the Catholic Church and receive the Sacraments.
RCIA is not just a "convert class" with a new name. It is a faith formation process, celebrated by special rites during the Sunday liturgies at various times throughout the year. RCIA involves the whole community - in prayer as the rites are celebrated, in hospitality as new members are welcomed and in service projects and assistance with parish ministries.
 
Questions to ask yourself:
1. Why should I look into the Catholic Faith for my child?  
2. Why am I attracted to the Catholic faith, and why would I want to bring this for my child?
3. What is the relationship between a personal relationship with Jesus and belonging to the Catholic Church, for my child and for our family?
 
Who should inquire? Everybody! Including but not limited to:
              a. Anyone is of Catechetical age (7 or older) who has never been baptized.

              b. Anyone who was baptized in a different Christian faith and interested in becoming Catholic.

              c. Anyone who is already Catholic, but wants to learn more about the Catholic faith and would like to
  talk with someone more in detail or attend sessions to continue growing in their faith.
 d. Anyone who has friends or other family members who are open and interested in learning more    about the Catholic Church (or would like to eventually become Catholic).
 
How long is the RCIA process? When are the meetings?
1. As soon as you inquire, or fill out this registration form, you will be contacted to meet beforehand to go over the dates and schedule. There will also be opportunities for any extra questions and prayer time.
 
2. Typically the Archdiocese policy is 1.5-2 years of Religious Education and/or Catholic school before the child receives his or her 1^st Communion, or in the case for children 7-17 years old, baptism.
a. If a family of a child inquires, and the child has already been attending Catholic school or Religious Education, that child will be baptized in spring 2021.
b. If the child has never received any form of Religious Education:
1. If you have not already done so, please enroll your child in Elementary Catechesis (or Edge/Life Teen) ASAP.
2. Your child will be baptized in spring 2022.
c. There is a separate form for Elementary Catechesis/Edge/Life Teen that you will need to fill out for your children.
3. There is a slightly different process for adults. The first official session for adults will begin in September. Adults for this process are considered anybody who is 18 and older (or graduated high school and older). There is a separate form for Adults.
 
4. A more detailed schedule of the dates and times, including dates of the sessions, Rites, Scrutinies, Holy Days, and Easter Vigil Information, will be on the website.
 
What if the regular session times do not work?
We are willing to meet with you on other days and times that are preferable and still offer opportunities for your faith growth. We want to ensure that you still receive the proper Sacramental formation.
 
However, please do not hesitate to contact us as soon as you know you are ready, so we can meet and begin to walk with you in your faith journey.
 
Final Call to Discernment:
 
Everyone of us is on a journey of faith, and sometimes the Lord asks us to stop and ask the important questions.  If you would like to look deeper into the Catholic faith, contact the parish office or one of the leaders.

​However, if you know you are interested and are discerning about becoming Catholic, or you have already committed, please contact us as soon as possible. We would love to be able to answer any questions, take time to get to know one another, so we may prepare together for this amazing journey
 
And we also encourage you to invite others as well to evangelize.

For More Questions or Information: Please contact Jacques Delouche at jdelouche@divinemercyparish.org or on his cell phone at (832) 423-8940.

You may also contact the Church office at (504) 466-5016

Click here to download a printable copy of the Children's RCIA form