Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC)

Vision:

St. Michael Catholic Community, in accordance with the decree of the Second Vatican Council, acknowledges that parents are the prime educators of their children. Therefore, in following that vision, the RCIC program has been designed to support parents in the religious formation of their children.

The program provides parents with support in the religious formation of their children by:

• Enhancing their teaching of the Scripture
• Enhancing their teaching of Catholic Doctrine
• Enhancing their teaching of Christian morals and attitudes
• Providing opportunities for service activities
• Providing children with the opportunity to experience a Catholic Community

The program takes place within St. Michael Catholic Community of the faithful, where the children learn about their faith and the sacraments while their sponsor and parents join them in their spiritual growth. The process is a gradual one in which parishioners join with the children, their sponsors and parents in their spiritual growth through:

• Bible stories
• Building friendships
• Celebrating liturgy
• Helping others

Philosophy:

• The program is Jesus centred. It focuses on Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher, and his teachings.
• The RCIC program provides opportunities for children to hear the Word of God and to begin to apply the Word to their daily relationships.
• The program allows children to discover the love of Jesus and to respond to his love by their actions and deeds.

Process:

The process involves prayer, study, play activities, and listening to the Word of God through bible stories.

Expectations:

The children in the RCIC program are required to select a sponsor who will attend the RCIC sessions with them and will provide spiritual guidance and support while they journey through the initiation process. The sponsor should be a practising Catholic with a strong knowledge of our Catholic beliefs and traditions.

The children in the RCIC program are expected to attend on a regular basis, all weekly sessions with a parent and/or a sponsor. The support from a parent or a sponsor allows for the continual educational and spiritual growth of the child.

Anyone who is seeking more information regarding the RCIC program is asked to contact the parish office (403) 249 0423, local 115.