RCIC

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) is a two-year process designed to prepare children, age seven and above, as well as their families for the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist). RCIC is only for:

• children who are celebrating all three sacraments of initiation (i.e. they have not yet been baptized)
• children who have been baptized in a different Christian faith but haven’t celebrated First Eucharist and Confirmation

Below is an overview of the various elements of the RCIC process:

For two years, the child attends regular grade-level faith formation classes held weekly from end of September to end of May, along with other non-RCIC students. See Children’s Faith Formation for more detail.

Starting in the fall of the second year, the child and their family begins to attend special Sunday morning sessions held at 8:30am before Mass, which foster deeper understanding of that Sunday’s scripture readings, and include faith sharing and discussion. Each session is followed by celebrating 9:30am Mass.

In the spring of the second year, the child and their family also attend 4 additional classes held on Saturdays which focus specifically on the meaning of each of the sacraments.

In the second year, the child also celebrates three liturgical rites which are celebrated with the community;

The child prepares and celebrates the Sacrament of Reconciliation at one of two available dates in either winter or spring of the second year.

The child, their sponsor(s) and parents attend a final sacramental preparation session a few days prior to the celebration.

The child, together with their sponsor(s) and the faith community, celebrates all three sacraments on Easter Sunday of the second year.

Please see the Parish Calendar for RCIC rites and sessions for detailed dates or contact the parish office for more information.



There is also an equivalent program for adults called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).