Vision:
St. Stephen's 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.
This is a process for children or teens who have missed receiving any or all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) in the usual age and grade level sequence. 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. Stephen's Catholic Community, 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 centered. 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.
Sessions:
RCIC sessions for children in grades 1-5 are held typically held in weekends or nightly. Candidates /catechumens will be notified in advance should a session be cancelled. We have session that will prepare these children to receive these sacraments at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 22, 2008.
Registration:
Registration forms for the RCIC program are located in the gathering area, or available at the parish office. Simply complete the registration form and leave the form at the parish office. Anyone who is seeking more information regarding the RCIC program is asked to call Judie at 204-4565 or 204-4566 or email at jshcuette@ssmrcc.org.
Who May Register: