Questions about RCIA

[lizferg]

My husband and I are getting ready to sign up for RCIA. (Both of protestant backgrounds)
We have 3 children ages 8, 6, and 2.
Classes are Monday nights. I’m really worried about finding childcare for that length of time til Easter. I know I need to address that with the parish, but any thoughts will help.
My other question, as far as baptism goes, we are both baptized, but kids aren’t. How and when does that take place? At Easter do the 3 children get baptized together? Or do we do it as soon as we are attending regularly to Mass?

liz

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

My husband and I are getting ready to sign up for RCIA. (Both of protestant backgrounds)
We have 3 children ages 8, 6, and 2.
Classes are Monday nights. I’m really worried about finding childcare for that length of time til Easter. I know I need to address that with the parish, but any thoughts will help.
My other question, as far as baptism goes, we are both baptized, but kids aren’t. How and when does that take place? At Easter do the 3 children get baptized together? Or do we do it as soon as we are attending regularly to Mass?
liz

I would speak with the RCIA director and explain that you may need to bring the children. Sometimes the parish can arrange for childcare we did.

The 2 and 6 yr old could be Baptized before, during the Vigil or After, it would be up to your pastor. It is a different Rite of Baptism (The Rite for infants). If there are not many in RCIA having both Rites might not be that difficult.

The 8 Yr old would need to attend an RCIA for children and be Baptized, Confirmed and receive Holy Communion all at the Easter Vigil.

 

[quiet52]

My husband and I are getting ready to sign up for RCIA. (Both of protestant backgrounds)
We have 3 children ages 8, 6, and 2.
Classes are Monday nights. I’m really worried about finding childcare for that length of time til Easter. I know I need to address that with the parish, but any thoughts will help.
My other question, as far as baptism goes, we are both baptized, but kids aren’t. How and when does that take place? At Easter do the 3 children get baptized together? Or do we do it as soon as we are attending regularly to Mass?

liz

You and your husband need to talk with your RCIA leader about your attendance problem. Can you find childcare for most of the Mondays?

Your 8-year-old has attained the age of reason. He/she also needs to attend RCIA (adapted for children), receive some education in the faith, and experience some conversion of faith, prior to receiving the sacraments. My parish would require him/her to attend a minimum of two years of religious education classes and sacramental preparation. You need to phone the children’s religious education director, to see what your parish requires.

Your other two children may be baptized with you, or afterwards. Have you signed up your 6 and 8 year olds for religious ed. classes yet (they usually begin in Sept.)?

All Catholic parents are required to raise their children in the faith – I’m glad you’re not ignoring their faith formation needs.

 

[lizferg]

Here’s my next fear to get through…my 8 year-old son. He is extremely shy and sensitive. I am trying to picture how it will be with him going through the process. He is so used to our old church with being fun and games with the lessons. I have no idea what the children’s RCIA is like. Will it scare him? (I’m laughing at myself for asking this, but I can’t help but wonder this )_ At his age, will it traumatize him and confuse him on Christianity overall?

liz

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Here’s my next fear to get through…my 8 year-old son. He is extremely shy and sensitive. I am trying to picture how it will be with him going through the process. He is so used to our old church with being fun and games with the lessons. I have no idea what the children’s RCIA is like. Will it scare him? (I’m laughing at myself for asking this, but I can’t help but wonder this )_ At his age, will it traumatize him and confuse him on Christianity overall?

liz

IT is a CHILDRENS level RCIA process. So no he will not have any problems that he doesn’t already deal with at school in 2nd or 3rd grade. You as his parent can attend the sessions with him. He will still be assigned a Sponsor, because canon law does not allow a parent to be his sponsor or Godparent. But along with the sponsor attending the sessions, you can also request to attend the sessions.