What is RCIC?
RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) is open to all children between the ages of 8-15, unbaptized or baptized. These classes are designed to educate children in the Catholic faith and prepare them for the sacraments to be received at the Easter Vigil. Whether your family is just entering the Church, returning to the practice of the Catholic faith, or delayed your child’s sacramental preparation, all are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Class Schedule:
Classes meet every Sunday from 10:45 to 11:50 a.m. in the school.
What ages participate in RCIC?
RCIC is a program for children between the ages of 8 or above who have not been baptized or who are baptized in another Christian denomination. It is also for older children, even high school students through age 15, who are baptized in the Catholic faith but were never prepared for Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation.
What is required of a child in RCIC?
The expectation is that the child and his or her parent(s) will attend Mass on a weekly basis. There must be a founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic.
The child is also expected to actively participate in the weekly Sunday RCIC classes. The parent(s) will meet with Director of Religious Education during an initial scheduled interview. Another meeting will be arranged with all the parents during the fall/winter months. The date will be selected after all the initial interviews are over.
All children will need a Catholic godmother, godfather or sponsor who is an active member in the Catholic Church (either at St. Luke or another parish). The godparent(s) or sponsor must be at least 16 years of age, confirmed in the Catholic faith and be present at the Easter Vigil. A letter of Good Standing will be required for the godparents and/or sponsor. If the family is unable to find a sponsor for the child, one will be provided by the parish. On the day of the Easter Vigil there will be a practice at 11:00 a.m. with godparents/sponsors.
Can more than one child from the same family be enrolled in RCIC?
Yes! In many cases when a family is joining the Church together, there is more than one child involved. It is highly encouraged to enroll all children at one time.
What is covered in RCIC classes?
The program provides a comprehensive review of the essentials and key teachings of the Catholic faith.
What materials will be used?
Depending on the age of the children, the following books may be used: Bridges to Faith (Loyola Press), One Faith, One Lord (Sadlier) or Called to be Catholic (Loyola Press).
When will the children receive the sacraments?
All children who are ready will receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. The Easter Vigil is on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
Those who are unbaptized (Catechumens) will be baptized at the Easter Vigil and receive First Holy Communion. Those who have already been baptized either Catholic or in another Christian denomination (Candidates) enter the Catholic Church by making a profession of Faith and receive First Holy Communion. If the child is baptized at the Easter Vigil, he or she will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession/Penance) after Easter. High School students in RCIC will also be confirmed at the Easter Vigil.
How do I enroll my child?
Parents may register their children by contacting Sister Diane Carollo, Director of Religious Education. She may be emailed directly at [email protected]. The cost of the program is $85.00 per student in public or non-Catholic private schools. The cost for students attending St. Luke School is $45. per child. If the student has already been baptized, parents are asked to provide a copy of their child’s baptismal certificate.
Children from public and private non-Catholic schools will attend instructions for two years on Sundays before becoming eligible to receive the sacraments. During the second year of preparation, they will be prepared to receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
Children attending St. Luke School will be prepared for the sacraments in one year since they also receive religious instructions several times a week and participate at Mass 3 times a week.
A copy of the registration sheet should be given to Sister Diane at the initial interview. It may be accessed online at https://www.stluke.org/worship/reigious_education/children_becoming_catholic.