The RCIA for Children - St. Augustine Church - The Catholic Student Center of Gainesville, Florida
The
RCIA
For
Children
What is it?
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children is a special
program for older children 7 years of age and older who have not been baptized.
Parents with children younger than seven who seek Baptism should contact Anne
Vieira at the parish office or by e-mail at
annevieira@staugustine-uf.org
Who is eligible?
Any child who is at least seven years old and who, for one reason
or another, was not Baptized is eligible for this program
The child must be enrolled and
participating in the age-appropriate faith formation
programs in the parish.
When does the program take place?
The program begins when you enroll your child in the
appropriate level parish faith formation program. The registration forms for
these other programs are available in the parish office, or you may view them
on-line at the parish web site –
www.catholicgators.com.
There is a special period of formation for these children
which begins on the first Sunday of Lent (March 1, 2009), during the 11:30 am
Sunday Mass. The children attend this Mass with their families. During this
Mass the children are dismissed from the church, and walk with their teacher to
a classroom where they study until Mass ends. Then they rejoin their parents in
the parish courtyard. You can obtain a copy of this special schedule of
meetings by clicking
here.
What do they study?
The
children are prepared to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and
Eucharist. According to the rules of the Church, once a child has reached the
age of seven, s/he then follows the preparation guidelines for RCIA as if s/he
were adult. This catechesis will include sacramental education and reflection
on the scripture.
Is there a cost for this program?
There is no charge for preparation for the sacraments in
the Catholic Church.
Who will be teaching the children?
Tom Rinkoski, the Director of Faith Formation for St.
Augustine Church, will teach the children. He is the parish’s lead catechist,
has an M.Ed from Boston College and over 35 years in church teaching experience.
Who do I contact for more information?
If you have any questions or concerns about this program,
or your child’s eligibility for it, please contact Tom Rinkoski at (352)
372-3533 or via e-mail at
tomrinkoski@yahoo.com.
How do I register my child?
Step #1 is to make sure your child is registered in one of
the existing parish faith formation programs according to his grade level.
·If your child is in Kindergarten through and including 5th
grade click
here for the proper
registration forms.
·If your child is in 6th, 7th, or 8th
grade, please click
herefor information.
·If your teen is in High School, click here
to find out more information on the Sunday evening CYA program.
Step #2 is to enroll your child in the RCIA for children
program. You can find that registration form at the Parish Office or
download it here from your
computer.
Finally, you can schedule an informational meeting with Tom
to learn more about this program.
The
children are prepared to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and
Eucharist. According to the rules of the Church, once a child has reached the
age of seven, s/he then follows the preparation guidelines for RCIA as if s/he
were adult. This catechesis will include sacramental education and reflection
on the scripture.