Becoming Catholic for Children and Youth

 

Welcome to the journey of Belonging!

This is a special journey for young people, which brings them into full communion with Jesus and our Roman Catholic Community.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA is the norm for initiation of all adults; it applies also to children of catechetical age (generally age seven) since under our Code of Canon Law they attain the status of adults at the age of reason in regard to sacraments of initiation. (RCIA 18)

Through the RCIA adapted for Children/Youth. Young people, along with their families, begin a journey of preparation for Full Initiation into the Christian Catholic community, with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation).

Who is The Rite of Christian Initiation Adapted for Children and Youth is a preparation process for?:

  • Someone who is over the age of 6 and has never been baptized.
  • Someone who was baptized in another Christian Faith Tradition but wants to become Roman Catholic.
  • Someone who was Baptized Catholic as an infant but never received further Faith Formation nor the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation with their peers.

Here at Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, the RCIA adapted for Children/Youth is a gradual process designed for young people ages 7 to 17 years of age.

The process will be tailored to meet the, age appropriate needs, of those who are participating. Young people will participate in a relaxed and welcoming process of exploration, activity, service experiences and prayer, as well as, special rituals celebrated at Mass and ongoing reflection on Scriptures. We will spend time building a sense of belonging, as well as nurturing a sense of believing.  Parents will be included in the process in a number of ways. As a part of their formation, young people will also be strongly encouraged to attend their grade-level faith formation programs and participate in the Sacramental Preparation Process. 

Contact us at children.family@mqp.org to arrange an appointment to discuss your questions, concerns and needs and to provide the parish with the information we need to plan your family’s RCIA process. 

 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA is the norm for initiation of all adults; it applies also to children of catechetical age (generally age seven) since under our Code of Canon Law they attain the status of adults at the age of reason in regard to sacraments of initiation. (RCIA 18) Thus, any unbaptized child over the age of reason, who desires to become Catholic participates in 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.