Christian Initiation:
For children
Christian Initiation: For Children of Catechetical Age
It is a special privilege to help our children to encounter Jesus and become His faithful followers. But, this process also comes with some complexity that can be difficult to navigate. That is why we have devoted a page to the Christian initiation of children.
First, let’s tackle two big questions, and then a Q&A will follow in order to address some other common issues related to this ministry.
Who Exactly Is the Order of Initiation of Children For?
The OCIA has a section that specifically addresses this. In Part II, Chapter II: “Order of Initiation of Children Who Have Reached Catechetical Age,” we read:
This rite is intended for children who have not been baptized at the time of infancy and have reached the age of discretion and catechesis. They come to Christian Initiation, brought by either parents or guardians, or moved on their own initiative with the permission of these same people. Those who grasp and nourish their own faith and are moved by their own conscience are already suitable. (OCIA 252)
A minor is “presumed to have the use of reason” and thus to have reached the age of discretion with the completion of the seventh year (Can. 97.2, 989). In order to ensure that this presumption is correct, a child’s capacity and readiness for the initiation process should be discerned. According to the USCCB, this determination should be made on a case-by-case basis and through consultation among the parents, the parish catechetical leader, and the pastor (see Handbook on the Catechetical Accompaniment Process, “Child Development and the Sacrament of Penance,” pg. 138-139; National Directory for Catechesis, “Catechesis for Children’s First Reception of the Eucharist,” pg. 127). In some cases, a 6-year-old may be ready for catechesis. In other cases, an 8-year-old may not be ready.
Note that, while this section of the OCIA primarily addresses unbaptized children, many of its principles are also applied, with appropriate adaptations, to baptized children preparing to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church, just as we would make adaptations for adult candidates. The Order of Initiation of Children Who Have Reached Catechetical Age actually envisions a greater involvement of baptized children in the initiation of child catechumens than what we see indicated for adults. For more on this, see the “already baptized companions” question in the Q&A lower down on this page.
Children’s Initiation: Different and the Same
Once it is determined that a child needs the initiation process, their experience should, for the most part, mirror that of adults, since “The prescripts of the canons on adult baptism are to be applied to all those who, no longer infants, have attained the use of reason.” (Can. 852 §1) However, this does not mean that the initiation process for children should be exactly like the process for adults.
Essentially, children who have reached the use of reason are treated like adults in the process insofar as, like adults, “their initiation is to be extended over several years, if need be” and because their initiation process contains mostly the same steps and periods as the process for adults (OCIA 252). These children are not treated like adults insofar as we look for the signs of conversion that are proportionate to their age, we provide catechesis that is adapted to their age, and the permission of their parents is required for initiation (OCIA 252-254). Other adaptations can be made as well (see OCIA 255-259).
For more on this, see “Similarities and Differences Between Initiation for Adults and Children.”
FRequently Asked Questions
Formation
Should children of catechetical age be formed separately from adults?
Usually, yes. Children require catechesis and formation that are adapted to their age, maturity, and capacity for understanding (OCIA 253). While the overall structure of their initiation mirrors that of adults, the formation itself should be appropriate to children. Opportunities for interaction with the broader parish community are still very beneficial, but children generally benefit most from a process specifically designed for them.
Can children participate in religious education classes instead of the initiation process?
Religious education and Christian initiation mostly serve different purposes. Religious education (as in “CCD” or “PSR”) is primarily intended for children who are already Catholic but do not attend a Catholic school, whereas the initiation process is designed for those preparing to become Catholic. This means that you can’t use one in the place of the other. That said, with the right coordination and balance, participation in a parish religious education program can complement the initiation process and provide opportunities for additional learning, friendship, and integration into parish life.
What role do parents play in the initiation process?
Parents are essential partners in the initiation of children. The OCIA recognizes that children depend heavily on the support and example of parents and guardians (OCIA 252, 254). Parents should be involved throughout the process and, whenever possible, take an active role in the child’s faith formation. Their witness, prayer, and encouragement help create an environment in which a child’s faith can take root and grow.
Sacraments and Rites
Should children of catechetical age receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist in the same celebration?
Yes. Like adults, children of catechetical age who have not been baptized are ordinarily fully initiated through the reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist in the same celebration (OCIA 305). While parents and children sometimes hope that Confirmation can be delayed so that it may be celebrated later with classmates, celebrating all three sacraments together reflects the unity of the Sacraments of Initiation and the child’s full incorporation into the life of the Church.
Who are the “already baptized companions” that the OCIA mentions and what is their involvement in the initiation of children?
The OCIA acknowledges that children preparing for initiation are often part of a larger catechetical group that potentially includes different kinds of baptized children (OCIA 254, 256, 257, 308). These companions provide help, support, and a positive example (OCIA 254). The OCIA also contemplates situations in which catechumens and some of their baptized companions celebrate rites, steps, and even sacraments together (OCIA 256, 308). The mutual celebration of sacraments is not easy to accomplish in dioceses like ours where baptized Catholic children typically receive Confirmation many years after First Communion. However, the OCIA says that “Insofar as possible,” (256) this “may” (308) occur, which is language that is flexible enough to allow for catechumens and their baptized companions to celebrate sacraments together without requiring it.
Do children of catechetical age celebrate the Rite of Election?
The OCIA includes an adapted Rite of Election for children and refers to it as “optional” (OCIA 253, 256, 258, 277). It’s not clear if the rite itself is optional or if only the adapted form is optional. As such, it is for each parish pastor to decide if children in initiation will participate in this rite. In either case, the period of immediate preparation before initiation remains an important part of the process (OCIA 256, 277) and, “If the Election of children of catechetical age is to take place within a celebration in which older catechumens are also to receive the Church’s Election, the rite for adults should be used” (OCIA 279).
Are the Scrutinies required for children?
The initiation process for children includes Penitential Rites that serve a purpose similar to the Scrutinies celebrated by adults (OCIA 291-294). At least one rite is to be held, and a second may be added (OCIA 294).
Pastoral Situations
What if the parents are not practicing Catholics?
Children of catechetical age can participate in the initiation process, even if their parents are not actively practicing their faith. The OCIA requires the parents’ permission, not a particular level of faith practice (OCIA 252, 254.2). That said, since the OCIA does acknowledge the impact of adults on the faith of these children (OCIA 252, 254, 257), if the parents are not actively practicing, then the role of sponsors, godparents, and the wider faith community becomes all the more important. Finally, “the time of Initiation will fittingly offer the family an opportunity to speak with Priests and catechists,” (OCIA 254.2) so we have an opening here to positively impact the faith of the parents as well as the faith of the children.
What if one parent supports initiation and the other does not?
Before children of catechetical age may enter the initiation process, their parents or guardians must consent (OCIA 252, 254). If one parent does not agree, see what you can do to address his or her concerns. Sometimes the nonconsenting parent simply needs more information, or they are looking for a caring person who is willing to listen. If the disagreement remains, Canon Law does allow for at least one parent to consent for an infant to be baptized (Can. 868), and in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, this threshold of consent is also applied to the baptism of a child of catechetical age.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, you can contact us via the Contact Form on the [OCIA page] or email Nicholas Hardesty ([email protected]).
Resources
Summaries and Statements
Note: Some of these were written when the text and even the process was called “RCIA,” but the principles still apply.
- Grow Your Confidence: Catechumenate for Children
- Training Articles on Children and Initiation
- Pastoral Principles for Children in the RCIA
- Six Skills Every Children’s RCIA Catechist Must Have
- Six Simple Ways to Improve Your Children’s RCIA Process
- The Key to Adapting the RCIA for Children
- Sacramental Pathways: Navigating Initiation for Children
Suggested Curriculum and Resources
- Team Initiation: Friends on the Way
- Liguori Publications: Journey of Faith for Children or for Teens
- Loyola Press: Called to Be Catholic (for Junior High kids) and Bridges to Faith
- RCL Benziger: Our Catholic Heritage
- Our Sunday Visitor: Faith Fusion Elementary (Grades 3-5) and Junior High (Grades 6-8)
- Sadlier: One Faith, One Lord (Grades 7-12) and Our Catholic Faith
Helpful Articles
Note: Some of these were written when the text and even the process was called “RCIA,” but the principles still apply.
- Grow Your Confidence: Catechumenate for Children
- Training Articles on Children and Initiation
- Pastoral Principles for Children in the RCIA
- Six Skills Every Children’s RCIA Catechist Must Have
- Six Simple Ways to Improve Your Children’s RCIA Process
- The Key to Adapting the RCIA for Children
- Sacramental Pathways: Navigating Initiation for Children
