Coordinators:
George and Beverly Ketcel - (303) 499-8989 x209

This page contains Guidelines for the Catechumenate of Children who have reached Catechetical Age (RCIA Adapted for Children) At Sacred Heart of Mary. If you'd like a printable version of this information, please click here.

Welcome to Sacred Heart of Mary Church! Whether your family is currently practicing Catholicism or your children are looking into becoming Catholic, we would like to welcome you to the RCIA process. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Children, or RCIC, is a process of coming into full communion with the Catholic Church. The end result of this journey is the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (the sacraments of initiation), as well as the joy of becoming a full member of God's Holy Catholic Church. Whether your child needs all sacraments of initiation or if they've already been baptized and are just looking to get "caught up" and receive sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, we will be working together in preparation to receive the sacraments.

The RCIC process is a journey. It is a journey toward fullness in the life of Jesus Christ. However, because it is a journey, it cannot be expected that your child will complete this journey by a particular time. The duration of the journey cannot be determined beforehand. It depends on your child's growth in faith as well as other circumstances which will be looked at on an individual basis.

Sacred Heart of Mary Church does have some general guidelines for enrollment of children in the RCIC.

• The child must be enrolled in the CCD or youth programs appropriate for their age for one year prior to enrollment in RCIC.


• The child and their family must regularly attend Sunday Mass.


• Following the first year of church programs, the child will continue with the CCD or youth programs into the second year. In addition, they will attend RCIC classes designed to prepare them to receive the sacraments of initiation or the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.


• Parents and Godparents/Sponsors must participate in the RCIC classes along with their children. We meet bi-weekly, on Sunday mornings, usually after we've attended the 9:00 AM Mass. We begin in October and end in April. [Click here] to see the schedule for this coming year.

Whether you are just beginning your inquiry into the Catholic faith or entering your sacramental year, we look forward to working with you and your children on this incredible journey towards fullness of faith and a new life in Christ.