Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Sorting It All Out: Children and Adults in the Initiation Process
7. A validly baptized non-Catholic but uncatechized child of 10 years of age
Geralyn was validly baptized in the Methodist church but is uncatechized. She is now 10 years old and she, together with her mother, wishes to become Catholic. After an appropriate period of inquiry on the part of Geralyn, her parents, and the parish team, Geralyn begins the process of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
Rite used: Rite of Welcoming Baptized but Previously Uncatechized Adults Who Are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist (RCIA #411-433) may be used if appropriate.
Title: Candidate for Full Communion
Definition: Validly baptized, uncatechized non-Catholic child who wishes to become Roman Catholic.
Age: Catechetical age (7 and up)
Process: This child should experience a period of formation in word, worship and mission as described in the RCIA (Part II) at a level adapted to the age and faith development of the child. She may be dismissed from the Eucharist for Breaking Open of the Word (possibly with other young people in the same situation). Catechetical formation follows this, or is done at some time during the week. This formation is usually at least one full year, or longer, depending on the development of the child, and the situation of his or her peers. It is most appropriate for her catechetical formation to take place with a peer group.
Time of Celebration: Geralyn celebrates Reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church (which includes sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist, cf. NS 35) at an appropriate time during the liturgical year, possibly at the Easter Vigil.
Minister: The parish priest is the presider.
Faculty to Confirm: No delegation is required.
Record Keeping: Geralyn’s name is entered in the parish registers of Baptism (with a notation of Reception into Full Communion, non-Catholic baptism and the minister), Confirmation and First Communion.
References: RCIA, Part II: 1,4,5, (c.f. RCIA 400 and 478); NS 30-37.
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