RCIA for Children (RCIA-AC)Parent Handbook

2019-2020

“Let the children come to me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

Helen ParkCoordinator of RCIA-AC

www.st-william.org/rcia-achpark@st-william.org

512-600-8165

August 2019

Greetings Parents & Families,

We are so excited that you have answered the call from the Holy Spirit for your children’s Christian Initiation at Saint William. Faith is our responses to the grace of God who yearns for the relationship with each of us, so we can live an abundant life in God’s Love.

The life of faith is a journey which each of us walks through in unique ways as God leads us. It is a journey with an intention and a goal, which will take courage, strength, above all, trust in God. It is a journey to walk together with others as a community which supports and helps us to arrive at the goal - being with God in heaven. You have chosen and committed yourself and your children to participate in and prepare for the Sacraments of the Catholic Church toward this goal. What are our roles in our children’s faith journey to reach this goal?

Faith is not an isolated act. No one can believe alone, just as no one can live alone…. The believer has received faith from others and should hand it on to others. Our love for Jesus and for our neighbor impels us to speak to others about our faith. Each believer is thus a link in the great chain of believers…….(Catechism of Catholic Church 166)

Children’s faith formation cannot be done just by attending the church classes and events. It should be learned and experienced from others around the children. The first place that children experience and learn the light of the faith is the family – the ‘domestic church’ where the parent has a particular role and responsibility in the faith formation of the children. Among the family members, the parent is the first preacher of the faith to their children through their faith expression in daily life.

We, as parents, are faced with many challenges in our world today to raise our children. Our children are growing in a very different culture from our time that encourages separation from the church teachings. They need a clear direction for their lives. We have a responsibility to cultivate a family life that is centered on Jesus Christ, so our children can anchor their lives on Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Life and the Truth.

As parents, I ask that you offer special prayers for your child and your family throughout the years of your child’s sacraments preparation. Above all, I emphasize the importance of attending the Mass together with your child. Everything we do in RCIA-AC is centered on Jesus Christ, and our curriculum is based on Gospel readings of Sunday Mass, through which we know who Jesus Christ is. Again, the parents as the primary catechists and role-models are most responsible for the children’s faith journey. Attending the Mass together, family prayer time, sharing the faith through an active conversation on the classes, and attending parents’ classes – all these will be important to guide children’s faith journey as well as to help children to live their faith out in school or home.

I pray that your family meets gracious and merciful God in unique ways through the years of formation in the Catholic faith. We look forward to serving you.

Helen Park Coordinator for RCIA for Children (RCIA-AC)hpark@st-william.org512-600-8165

Mission Statement

RCIA-AC seeks to lead all children and families to a deeper relationship with Christ and celebration of the Sacraments through creative catechesis, activities, and community and fellowship within their small groups. The preparation process seeks to not only introduce them to Chris but also to give them the tools to foster a life-long relationship with Christ in His Church. RCIA-AC continually seeks to bring Christ’s love to all by sharing faith and time with you and your family.

If we don’t teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to.

RCIA-AC – What does it stand for?

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Adapted for Children envisions children as persons who are capable of a journey of conversion that leads to a deeper relationship with the living God. Children are encouraged to develop a relationship with God, learn how the stories and symbols carry meaning and how a family is central for them to grow spiritually. Often our children lead us parents closer to God in extraordinary ways.

RCIA-AC Class Schedule

Families should begin the week by attending weekly SUNDAY mass. Sunday Session:

Grades 2-12 3PM – 4:30PM Education Center classrooms (Rm # 24-27)Parents 3PM – 4:25PM Parish Evangelization Center (PEC) 2nd floor Rm# 201

Monday Session Grade 2-5 6:30PM – 7:45PM Education Center classrooms (Rm # 24-27)Parents 6:30pm – 7:40pm Parish Evangelization Center (PEC) 2nd floor Rm# 201

RCIA-AC Class Reminders

All elementary-aged children should be dropped off and picked up by a parent. This is to ensure safety on the church campus. They should not be walking alone.

Absent/Tardy Policy: Please note the Attendance & Tardy Policy in the Attendance Policy Section below. We will provide all materials for each student. Students should bring books, folders, binders, bags to class each

day. Parents should look for notes, homework, and handouts from the teachers to further discuss the Catholic faith. Empower your children to teach YOU what they have learned. They will remember more this way.

Certificates - Please turn in certificates by September 30th, 2019.

For Baptized children, a Baptismal Certificate is required. If a child has not been baptized, please submit a Birth Certificate. You can turn into the Coordinator or in the office.

Attendance Policy

For those preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion), attendance is vital.

If a child misses a session, they not only miss the topics and discussion for that day but also the community dynamic that resides in each group of participants. They are missed when they are not there.

The required attendance rate to complete the sacrament preparation is over 80%. In emergency cases, please discuss with the coordinator to make up the classes.

All absences must be communicated with the coordinator within 24 hours of the absence via phone or voicemail at 512-600-8165 or email (hpark@st-william.org).

If a child misses a class, the parents are asked to share the lesson with their child. Lesson information can be obtained from the teacher and in the website http://www.pflaumweeklies.com/parents/ & http://www.pflaumweeklies.com/catechists-teachers/ (lesson assessment).

Tardy Policy: Please arrive 10 minutes early for class. When a person arrives late it can be a distraction and difficult for them to engage and be engaged by the class/session in progress.

Dress Code & Code of Conduct

In efforts to create a Christ-Centered environment, dress and behavior must reflect the attitude of Christ. Dress Code o No youth should be wearing clothing that contains a violent, offensive or anti-Christian message.o For Girls: Short Shorts, strapless shirts, low cut tops, skin-tight garments and shirts exposing mid-riff or

underwear are not to be worn. No high heels, no exposure of shoulders.o For Boys: Saggy pants and short shorts are not to be worn.

Code of Conduct o Bullying and/or aggressive, threatening or violent acts will not be tolerated.o Illegal items will not be tolerated. If a child is found possessing knives, drugs, alcohol or any other types of

items, the police will be called first and then the parent.o Cell Phones are not to be seen during RCIA-AC sessions. If a child brings a cell phone, it must be put away during

class time. Cell phones will be collected if seen and returned after class. o Respect is vital to creating an environment where one can grow in their faith. It is expected that all participants

respect the adult volunteers and their peers during RCIA-AC.o Parents will be notified if their child consistently violates the Code of Conduct.

Role of Parents

“Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction.” (Ephesians 6:4)

You are your child’s first teacher and a living example of a true Catholic disciple. Children learn by example. Because of this, it is important that you continue to grow in your own knowledge of the Catholic faith. The following is a checklist of requirements and responsibilities that will help you and your child(ren) to grow in faith as a FAMILY .

1. Parent Class attendance ( Required ) : RCIA-AC is supplemental to the faith formation that is taking place in the home. While the Church has been clear that parents are the Primary Catechists of their children, RCIA-AC offers weekly parent sessions that are held at the same time that your children are in session. The classes will deepen parents’ faith, so they can walk together for their children’s faith journey.

2. Ensure your child learns the traditional Catholic prayers and help them to prepare for their assessments/interviews at each step.

3. Your time together with your child will be required for the prayer and discussion on what they learned in the class, and send the completed homework back to the catechists.

4. Attending Sunday Mass together is the most important way of family prayer and faith formation. 5. Please get connected. Communication will be mostly through emails that you will know any changes and

schedules related to your child’s classes and sacraments’ prep.

Role of godparents/sponsors

How many godparents/sponsors can you have?

For Baptism, one or two godparent(s) (male and female) For Confirmation, one sponsor A godparent can be a sponsor for the child’s confirmation.

Baptismal Godparents and Confirmation Sponsor Requirements

Must be at least 16 yrs old A Baptized Catholic, who has received:

o Baptism o First Eucharisto Confirmationo Catholic Marriage within the Church (if married)*

A Trusted adult; who is willing to stand with the youth not only during the ceremony but throughout life’s journey.

A mentor who is active in the Catholic Church & who fully embraces and lives their faith by receiving Holy Communion weekly at Sunday Mass.

Has gone to Confession within the last year. May not be the parent of the one being confirmed.

*Common Law marriage or cohabitation of sponsors is not allowed by Canon Law.

We ask the sponsor to:

1. Attend Ceremony Rehearsal2. Sign the Baptism/Confirmation Sponsor Covenant Form3. Share with the candidate what being selected as their sponsor means to you4. Pray FOR the candidate

Q: When your child will be ready to receive Sacraments?

A: When the family is ready!!!

Requirements for Confirmation

1. Saint’s NameSaints are our brothers and sisters in Christ. They intercede and pray for us before God. We acknowledge the Communion of Saints as friends of Jesus that are already in heaven. They are also considered to be our “heavenly sponsors” that pray for us.

2. When choosing a saint’s name, you might consider: Your child’s date of birth Special Feast Days Patron saints of various causes, missions, countries, professions, places Hobbies/Special Interests that your child might have

Examples: St. Mary of Guadalupe – Patroness of the Americas St. Clare – Patron Saint of Laundry & Television St. Lucy – Patron Saint of Eyes St. Peregrine – Patron Saint of Cancer St. Francis of Assisi – Patron Saint of pets St. Michael the Archangel – Patron Saint of grocers, soldiers, doctors, mariners, paratroopers, police,

and sickness

Below are a few websites for saint stories.http://www.catholic.org/saints/http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/byname.aspxhttp://www.catholicsaints.info/ http://www.loyolapress.com/saints-stories-for-kids.htm?cId=402682

3. Spiritual Hours “Lord, teach us how to pray.” Luke 11:1Spending time in prayer is how we both listen and talk to God. Our prayer can be by ourselves or with others. Each participant should explore at least 2 new/different ways to pray. This might be praying a family rosary, visiting the adoration chapel, or participating in various prayer experiences here at Saint William. A brief paragraph should be written to describe the child’s experience

4. Service Hours for ConfirmationWe are called to serve and love one another just as Jesus taught us and showed us. Volunteering as a family helps kids learn to make a positive impact on the lives of others and appreciate their blessings. It also fosters communication, strengthens bonds, starts traditions and makes memories for the family in amazing ways.

Each participant is encouraged to complete at least 2 hours of service for someone in a Christ-like manner without receiving a monetary payment. This might be volunteering in various organizations, helping the family without being asked, visiting a nursing home, or volunteering at the church.

RCIA-AC – Service & Spiritual Opportunities

Sanctuary Cleaning Days – Posted in Bulletin (Fall & Spring Dates) Please contact Tommy Sustaita, Volunteer Coordinator at 512-255-4473 or

volunteer@st-william.org - to find volunteer opportunities at SW. Visit the Adoration Chapel, Stations of the Cross, Rosary Garden, Marian Grotto

RCIA - Sacraments of Initiation

1. What is RCIA?

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process, not a program. A time of formation and conversion to know, love and serve God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A process to introduce the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church It forms a community of inquirers and sponsors.

o Unbaptizedo Baptized but no catechizedo Baptized in other Christian churches

2. RCIA for Unbaptized children RCIA Catechumen Baptism Parent Meeting: Beginning of the Second year

Duration Name What Happened Rites When at SW

First Period variable InquirerIntroduction to Gospel & the Christian community,

initial conversion,

Individual prayers and blessings anytime

Rite of Acceptance

When inquirer is

ready

Church accepts inquirer as catechumen

Celebrations of word, exorcisms,

blessings, anointing

February(first yr)

Second Period:Catechumenate

At least a year Catechumen

Catechesis, Christian way of life, prayer, apostolic witness

Rite of Sending/Election

First Sunday of

Lent

The bishop chooses (elects) for initiation

First Sunday of Lent

(second yr)Third Period:

Purification and Enlightenment

(Penitential Rite & Robe fitting)

Lent ElectFinal preparation for

the Sacraments of Initiation

Scrutinies, Presentation of Creed & Lord’s Prayer, Preparatory Rites

March (second yr)

Sacrament of Initiation Easter Vigil Full initiation into the

Christian community

Baptism, Confirmation,Communion

Easter Vigil(second yr)

Fourth Period:Mystagogy

Easter Time:

extended for one

year

Neophytes

Gospel meditation, participation in

Eucharist, Works of charity

First Confession From Easter to Pentecost

3. RCIA for Baptized children (Candidates) First Confession on the second yr around Jan or Feb - Middle & High School children will do at the retreats Sacrament of Confirmation & First Communion in May of the second yr RCIA Candidates Sacraments Parent meeting: September (second yr)

4. RCIA for Christians baptized in another Faith (Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church) (Profession of Faith: POF) First Confession on the second yr around Jan or Feb – Middle & High School children will do at the retreats. Profession of Faith & Sacrament of Confirmation & First Communion on Easter Vigil RCIA Candidates Sacraments Parent meeting: September(second yr)

5. There will be Rehearsals for Sacraments, usually the day before the sacraments (Required)

Please join Parent Orientation on

September 4 (Wednesday) 6:30PM ~ 8PM

PEC (Parish Evangelization Center) 2nd floor Auditorium

Please bring your child’s Baptism Certificate (if baptized) or Birth Certificate (if not baptized) !!!!!