Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC)

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) is open to all children between the ages of 8-15, unbaptized or baptized. These classes are designed to educate children in the Catholic Faith and prepare them for the sacraments to be received at the Easter Vigil. Whether your family is just entering the Church, returning to the practice of the Catholic Faith, or delayed your child’s sacramental preparation, all are welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Class Schedule:
Classes meet every Sunday from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in St. Charles Chapel.

What ages participate in RCIC?
RCIC is a program for children ages seven or above who have not been baptized or are baptized in another Christian denomination. It is also for older children, even high school students through age 15, who are baptized in the Catholic Faith but were never prepared for Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation.

What is required of a child in RCIC?
The expectation is that the child and their parent(s) will attend Mass every week. There must be a founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic. The child is also expected to participate in the weekly Sunday RCIC classes actively. The parent(s) will meet with the Director of Religious Education or Pastor during an initial scheduled interview. 

All children will need a Catholic godmother, godfather, or sponsor who is an active member of the Catholic Church (either at St. Charles or another parish). The godparent(s) or sponsor must be at least 16 years of age, confirmed in the Catholic Faith, and be present at the Easter Vigil. The godparents and sponsor will require a letter of Good Standing. If the family cannot find a sponsor for the child, one will be provided by the parish. On the day of the Easter Vigil, March 30, 2024, there will be a rehearsal/practice at 10:30 a.m. with godparents/sponsors at St. Charles Church.

What is covered in RCIC classes?
The program provides a comprehensive review of the essentials and fundamental teachings of the Catholic Faith.

• Baptism - This sacrament gives our souls the new life of grace by which we become children of God. It frees us from our original sin.
• Reconciliation -  The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession is the sacrament by which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven.
• Holy Eucharist - The Sacrament of First Communion is the sacrament of receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Confirmation - This sacrament through which the Holy Spirit comes to us enables us to profess our Faith as strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.

When will the children receive the sacraments?
All children who need to be baptized will receive all their sacraments (Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. The Easter Vigil is on Saturday, March 30, 2024. 

Those who have already been baptized will receive First Confession and First Holy Communion at a time determined by the Director of Religious Communion when the child is ready.  High School students who are already baptized will be confirmed the normal time with their peers.  

How do I enroll my child?
Parents may register their children through Online Registration, which begins on Monday, January 15, 2024, and continues through Friday, January 19, 2024. The program costs $30.00 per student in public or non-Catholic private schools. Parents are asked to provide a copy of their child’s baptismal certificate if the student has already been baptized.

Children from public and private non-Catholic schools will attend instructions for six weeks on Sundays before becoming eligible to receive the sacraments. (View and Print Calendar Below)