Pastoral principles for children in the RCIA

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3 thoughts on “Pastoral principles for children in the RCIA”

  1. DENNIS M CALLIES

    My grandson had not been baptized as an infant. Later he was enrolled in a Catholic parochial school. In second grade, when he was eight years old, he was scheduled to be baptized in order that he join his classmates for First Communion. Prior to his baptism I talked to his mother about him being confirmed too, and I wrote to the parish priest, reminding him of the proper order for the sacraments of initiation. The priest ignored my letter. He treated my eight-year-old grandson like an infant with a “private” baptism

  2. We had a RCIA for children and youth for years and had at one time had 2 years for the period for the older youth. That was shortened to one year. We had required parent participation in the adult RCIA for one year. Out of this, there were many adult candidates and catechumens who received their sacraments at along with their children. Catechumens only.

    Now our co-parishes are no longer requiring RCIA for children and youth and will just baptize them. The reason was why make them wait for baptism? We protested and finally the parish(s) accepted some preparation for the youth but no required family catechism or instruction. The pastoral element of family catechesis is out the window but the old CCD has been brought back if we can get enough catechists and get enough children. Many catechists bailed after this change but we feel so strongly about sharing out faith so we will hanging in.

    From what we read, there is no direct requirement for a RCIA “program” for children so there is some leeway for interpretation. Where could I read what is required/suggested for children and youth? Thank you.

    1. Hi John,

      Canon Law directs that children who have reached the age of reason are to be considered “adults” for the purposes of initiation.

      What is prescribed in the canons on the baptism of an adult is applicable to all who are no longer infants but have attained the use of reason. (Canon 852 §1)

      Also see the National Statutes for the Catechumenate:

      Since children who have reached the use of reason are considered, for purposes of Christian initiation, to be adults, their formation should follow the general pattern of the ordinary catechumenate as far as possible, with the appropriate adaptations permitted by the ritual. They should receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, together with the older catechumens. (National Statutes for the Catechumenate, 18).

      Both of these citations can be found in the appendixes of your Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults text.

      Children who have reached the age of reason are just as much in need of a spiritual formation process as adults are in order to reach of level of conversion that will enable them to participate in the gospel mission. For some children, that may be a relatively brief period of time. For others, it may take several years (see RCIA 76). Nothing can be decided ahead of time. We cannot say before meeting the young seekers if their formation will take six months, one year, two years or more. Each individual is on a unique faith journey that requires pastoral discernment (see RCIA 119-120).

      I hope that helps. Blessings on all the great work you are doing.

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