Child Baptism - Christian Initiation of Children

Christian Initiation of Children is the process for children, un-baptized or baptized in another tradition who are interested in or seriously considering becoming members of the Catholic Church. It is a total process of formation and commitment to the Christian life. It is a "journey of faith" for children with their families. It is a time of listening and responding to the "good news" of Jesus Christ.

The norms established for the Christian Initiation of Children who have reached Catechetical Age are outlined in Part II of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Paragraph 253 reads, in part:

The Christian initiation of these children requires both a conversion that is personal and somewhat developed, in proportion to their age, and the assistance of the education they need. The process of initiation thus must be adapted both to their spiritual progress, that is, to the children's growth in faith, and to the catechetical instruction they receive. Accordingly, as with adults, their initiation is to be extended, if need be, before they receive the sacraments.

All sacraments are parish-centered celebrations of God's presence among us. The children's progress in the formation they receive "depends on the help and example of their companions and on the influence of their parents." (RCIA #254)

Christian initiation of children who have reached catechetical age requires all of the elements of the process of initiation which are: 1) catechesis; 2) community; 3) liturgy/rites; and 4) apostolic activity (RCIA #75). Our National Catechetical Directory (NCD) states: "Though the influence of peers and of adult catechists is important, catechetical programs are not intended to supplant parents as the primary educators of their children. Parental involvement in catechetical programs is essential." (NCD, #229) It is, therefore, crucial that parents be actively involved and participating in their child(ren)'s initiation.