The Christian Initiation Process (RCIA) is for families with children who have not had any or little formal religious education and are seeking to celebrate the initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion. There are four periods and three rites to this process:

1. Inquiry is the first stage of this process. Children ask their questions about God, Jesus, and other Catholic beliefs and discuss the role of faith in their lives. This period ends with the celebration of the Rites of Acceptance and Welcome on the Feast of Christ the King. At that time they will be presented to the parish as the children seeking complete initiation into the faith at Easter.

2. The second stage, called the Catechumenate, begins a period of more formal study of Catholic beliefs. It also marks the beginnings of Dismissals from the 8 am Mass each Sunday. The period ends with the parish Rite of Sending in which the parish sends the children forth to meet with the Archbishop (at the Rite of Election) for his approval to celebrate the sacraments at Easter.

3. The third period (Purification and Enlightenment) coincides with the season of Lent. It is a time of prayerful reflection and preparation for the sacraments. The
actual reception of the initiation sacraments which may occur
at the Easter Vigil or on the Octave of Easter brings this period
to a close.

4. The fourth and last period is called Mystagogy. Now that
the children have been baptized, confirmed and shared in the
Lord's Supper, they reflect on those faith experiences and
how it is making a difference in the way they live. While these
classes are over, the children are expected to enroll in PSR for
the coming year to continue the faith journey they just begun.
Parents as well are encouraged to continue their own
formation through participation in adult level programs.

Who registers for the children's Christian Initiation
process (RCIA)? • Parents with a child over the age of
seven (7) who has not been baptized. • Families with a
child over the age of seven (7) baptized in another Christian
denomination. • Families with a child baptized Catholic who
did not celebrate First Communion in the 2nd grade.

When are classes? Classes are held on Monday evenings. They will begin in August and continue through until Pentecost Sunday. One or both parents are required to attend the adult sessions that are held on Monday nights while their child is in class. If this is not possible, then enrollment in this formation program should be postponed until your schedule allows for this year long commitment. In addition, families are expected to attend the 8 am Mass on Sundays. After the celebration of the Rites of Acceptance and Welcome, the children will be sent forth from that Mass after the homily for further study of the Sunday Readings. This dismissal will continue every Sunday until Easter Sunday. Parents remain in Mass and pick their child up from the classroom when Mass is over.

What do I need to do to register? 1. Schedule an appointment with the Rita or Diane at 770-962-2765 ext 219 or by e-mail to rschieber@saintlaw.org. 2. Register for parish membership if you have not already done so. 3. Fill out a children’s initiation registration form and the annual Medical, Media and Safe Environment Release forms. 4. Provide sacrament verification: If your child has not been baptized, please provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate. If your child has been baptized (Catholic or other Christian denomination) please provide a copy of his or her baptismal certificate. Be sure it indicates the name and address of the church where the baptism was celebrated.

What is expected of me, the parent? Parents are the primary religious educator of their child. Your personal example and enthusiastic participation in this process is vital. Casual conversations about God and being Catholic at home, in the car, etc. will enhance the structured class sessions at church. At the heart of this initiation process is conversion to Christ. In addition to participating in the parent sessions, parents are expected to see that their family prays together at home and worships weekly with the larger parish community. Your child needs to know about the life of Christ. Family time spent reading and sharing the stories about Jesus from the Gospels or the Sunday readings will deepen this faith experience. Parents are responsible for choosing godparents and sponsors. If your child is being baptized, he or she will need godparents and a sponsor for Confirmation. A godparent can also serve as a Confirmation sponsor. If your child is already baptized he or she will only need a sponsor for Confirmation. Parents cannot be godparents or sponsors. Godparents and Sponsors must be 16 years old, have celebrated all the initiation sacraments and provide proof of active membership in the Catholic church.

What is expected of my child? All children in this process are expected to bring a desire to learn about God, Jesus and the Catholic faith. We expect regular attendance and active participation in class. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Your child will be treated respectfully and in turn should show respect for the catechists and other classmates.