Rita Burns Senseman is Pastoral Associate at St. Benedict Parish in Terre Haute, Indiana. She is also a freelance writer who has written books and articles on various aspects of Christian initiation, including A Child’s Journey: The Christian Initiation of Children (TeamRCIA) and a confirmation preparation program, Anointed in the Spirit, (St. Mary’s Press). Formerly, Rita was Associate Director of Catechetics/Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Detroit. She has been involved in initiation and catechetical ministry for more than thirty years and also holds an MA from the University of Notre Dame.
Why do we need inquiry for children? In the cases of younger children, it seems pointless. The parents have made up the children’s minds for them. They will enter this process and finish it because their parents said so. Why not start these children with Christianity 101 and go on from there? Thanks for your …
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 …
My understanding is that in the children’s catechumenate, peer companions over the age of reason could be confirmed along with the catechumens. Is this true? Yes, it is a possibility. According to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, “Baptized children of the catechetical group may be completing their Christian initiation in the sacraments of …
(Note from Nick: I asked Rita Burns Senseman to answer a question we recently received. She is a leading expert in children’s initiation. Thanks Rita!) Should young people in the RCIA attend regular religious education classes in addition to the catechesis and programs they take part in with the RCIA? It depends. In most instances, …
Do child catechumens need both RCIA and religious ed classes?
