What is RCIC

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) is the process through which children of catechetical age are prepared to celebrate the sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and be welcomed into the Catholic Church. It is the process of initiation the Church asks us to use and is modelled on the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

Who is the RCIC for?

The RCIC is primarily intended for children, not baptised as infants, who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age. The Church understands 'catechetical age' to begin at the age of reason, on or about age 7.

The RCIC is also for those children, baptised as infants in the Catholic Church or another Christian community, who have not been catechised and desire to celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist and if needs be received into the Catholic Church.

What does the RCIC involve?

The children and families who choose to participate in the RCIC will belong to a group of children and families who will form community together as they grow in relationship with Jesus and with the Church. Together, the children and families are introduced to the life of faith in the Church and the meaning of the celebration of the sacraments. The children and families will get to know their catechists and members of the parish, including the priest and other members of the pastoral life of the local Church community.

The steps of the RCIC are patterned on the steps of RCIA but adapted to the needs, circumstances and ages of the children involved.