RCIC

The Christian Initiation of Children

There are three sacraments by which we become members of the Church – three sacraments of initiation:  Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.  Since Pope Pius X lowered the age for First Communion in the early 1900s, the sacrament of Confirmation has been left high and dry after Holy Communion.  But as the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us the proper order of these sacraments is: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, emphasising the Holy Eucharist as the high point or final stage in initiation into the Church.

When parents ask to have their child baptised the Church offers support in preparation and someone to accompany parents in the responsibilities they will accept in the Baptism of their child.  This takes the form of a Sponsor.  Please contact Mary Margaret Wilson or Mgr McCaffrey, either through our website or after Mass.

Growth is marked by Celebration

The celebration of these three sacraments marks significant stages in the faith life of the child and his or her family. But there is more.  The initiation of children (RCIC) is marked by three steps separated by years of growth in faith and awareness of the mysterious presence and work of God.  We – parents, parish and school – need to attend to this growth and cooperate with the Holy Spirit working in the child.  We do this by prayer, good example and the witness of our lives, providing a model for the children as they become full members of the Body of Jesus Christ.