Scripture

Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. (Matthew 19:14)

Mission Statement

Our Mary Queen community, inspired by faith and love, will live, worship, teach, welcome and support one another in the imitation of Christ.

RCIA Process Description

What is the RCIA for children?
The RCIA for children is a process that invites any child age 7 to 16 interested in searching the Catholic Faith to discover what the Catholic Church teaches and believes. It is open to un-baptized children, children baptized in another faith, and children who may be baptized but who have not yet received their first communion and have not attended regular CCE. It is typically a two-school year process for most children in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Arch Diocese of Galveston-Houston, but every situation is unique and so we like to say that “it takes as long as it needs to take” and we are here and available to help you and your child discern their readiness.

Entry into the Church for non-baptized children has historically been at Easter at the end of the second year of formation, but again it takes as long as it needs to take. Near the end of the process, the Sacraments of Initiation; Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are celebrated all at once at the Easter Vigil for un-Baptized persons.

What is the process like?
Here at Mary Queen, the children begin their first year of formation learning about and discovering the Catholic Faith. They will become familiar with Holy Scripture in order to learn about mankind’s story and how God intervened in history. They will learn Catholic prayers, hear about Catholic Saints, and get to ask as many questions as they need in order to foster their faith. This is all done in a classroom setting or in the prayer garden or Chapel, depending on the lesson, and among similar aged children who are all seeking to become Catholic or catch up on their sacraments. On at least four times during the year; parents will be required to attend a “Family Session” with their child. This is a wonderful opportunity to journey with your child in their growing faith!

In the second year of formation, we will help you discern if your child is ready to begin attending regular CCE with their peers. If so, they will also begin to attend First Communion Preparation with their peers under our Elementary Faith Formation Director. Again, some parent involvement is required during this time of preparation.

Is a sponsor needed?
Sponsors/Godparents of these children have very important roles in this process. Sponsors and/or godparents should attend the Family sessions if possible with the children. In addition, the sponsor participates with the child at all ritual celebrations and must be present at the Rites of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

What are the sponsor qualifications?
To qualify as a sponsor or godparent a person must be an adult age 16 or over and must be a confirmed and practicing Catholic. Proof of these qualifications may be required, such as a letter from their home parish. The parish will provide sponsors or godparents to children in certain circumstances if the situation merits.

What are the benefits of the RCIA for Children?
The RCIA for children has been adapted from the RCIA for adults and its formulation has been carefully worked out for children. The RCIA process is a powerful restoration by Vatican II of a practice first started by the early Church in the third century when many people were converting to Christianity during Constantine's rule. Since its re-establishment in the early 80's, the RCIA process has been successful in renewing the whole adult Church. It is hoped that through participation in the RCIA for children the children will be exposed to the Truth of the Catholic faith, be converted to Jesus, and be encouraged to participate more fully in the Church community. We pray that as Baptized and Confirmed Catholics they will be motivated to receive the Eucharist each week at Mass and to continue their religious education into the future so that they come to know love and serve God as practicing adult Catholics.

Activities

• Catechetical Sessions
• Discernment Retreats
• Liturgical Rites

Volunteer/Service Opportunities

• RCIA Team Member
• RCIA Sponsor/Godparent
• RCIA Hospitality
• RCIA Catechesis