Help children in the RCIA to befriend Jesus
October 6th, 2009 by Nick
In the Fall 2009 issue of the Forum Newsletter, children’s initiation expert, Fr. Tim Piaseki, says that the task of RCIA teams is to help children become friends with Jesus.
How do people become friends? They spend time together. They have conversations with each other. They do things together. Little by little they come to know each other well. They come to enjoy being in each other’s company. They learn each other’s likes and dislikes. When they are apart, they miss one another. The question becomes: How can initiation ministers help children and Jesus Christ to become the best of friends?
He then discusses issues that concern the children and their families in the initiation process.
Click here to download the newsletter. Tim’s article appears in both English and Spanish.
One terrific suggestion he makes is that an “abuela” (grandmother)-type person could mentor the family. His point is that people who are embarrassed to ask their questions of a priest or other church minister might feel more comfortable speaking with someone who is less “official.”
Do you use “abuela-sponsors” in your parish? How do you help children and families feel comfortable in the initiation process? Click on comments and share your stories.
See also these related articles:
- Who sponsors child catechumens?
- The key to adapting the RCIA for children
- 5 principles for adapting the RCIA for children
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I have approximately ten children of various ages that have either been baptized only or have not been baptized. What is your recommendation on the process for initiating them and receiving them into full communion? Right now I put them in the appropriate grade and then work with them. How often should we meet and for how long?
The children who are not baptized and are older than age seven would definitely be fully initiated according to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (see nos. 252, 253, 304, 305, National Statute 18). Their formation should also following the general pattern of the catechumenate, which means they should participate in the RCIA as adapted for children.

I’m editing the October 2009 issue of ![Family Ride by kamshots [via Flickr]; Tagged as sponsors Family Ride](http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1245/1382299318_2451c48f10_m.jpg)
![Light a Candle by Jrwooley6 [via Flickr]; Tagged as __ RCIA image posted by TeamRCIA](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/2490150412_048622b304_m.jpg)
If you flip open your RCIA to paragraph 252, you’ll see the section titled “Christian initiation of children who have reached catechetical age.” Paragraphs 252-259 are pretty important for understanding how we should go about adapting the catechumenate process for children. Here are a few things that stand out for me.![Stuff It by jbuc [via Flickr]; Tagged as RCIC RCIA image posted by TeamRCIA](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2574572486_522929e1d8_m.jpg)





