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Invitation to Baptize your child
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adultministrySTLUKESCATHOLIC.COMAdult Ministry Coordinator
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Dear fellow Parishioner,
Maybe, you have been thinking recently about the sacrament of Baptism for your child. Children over the age of seven seeking to be baptized follow a process called RCIA for Children (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults –adapted for Children) in which they are prepared to be fully initiated in the Catholic Faith and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation ( Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). As Catholics we believe that in baptism we become children of God; in confirmation we are signed with the Holy Spirit so that we may bear witness to our faith; and when we receive Eucharist, the life of God is nourished in us and we are united in the Body of Christ. A close partnership between the parish and the family is necessary for the spiritual growth of children. Parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. The parish community nurtures this first faith. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity.
RCIA for Children is a process that in average lasts two years, though it depends on the individual and his/her family and the duration could be shorter or longer. An initial interview with the child and his/her family takes place at the moment of registration in the process. Usually, during the first year of the process the family must attend mass regularly, as well as register and attend CCFF. Also, the family should attend at least to one retreat at this time.
CCFF classes are offered for elementary students (Grades 1-4) on:
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in Spanish
Mondays at 5:30 pm, Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m., or Thursdays at 4:45p.m.
Middle School (Grades 5-6) classes are offered on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm.
Junior High (Grades 7-8) classes are offered on Sunday evenings at 4:30 p.m. and High School (Grades 9-12) classes are offered on Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
Retreat dates will be posted on the Bulletin.
The second year prepares the child and the family to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. Mass attendance becomes even more important. The family should be ready to make a conscious commitment to this process. The child should again be enrolled and attend regularly in CCFF. Also, they might be required to attend a second retreat. Besides CCFF there will be Family Sessions once or twice a month starting with an Orientation meeting in August and continuing until Pentecost of the following year (around May). Godparents are welcome to all the meetings, but are required only to attend a few of them. Important Rites would be celebrated during this second year. The Rite of Acceptance is celebrated around September after which children are dismissed from Mass with a catechist to learn about the Sunday’s readings. The Rite of Election is celebrated in January. Lent is an important time in the process and it is then that the final preparation takes place. Usually, the child is initiated (Baptized, confirmed and receiving Eucharist) the second Sunday of Easter. Then, a month later we celebrate a Mass for the neophytes (or newly initiated).
To register your child in this process, and for more information call or email
Alma A. Cervantes
713 987 9189
alma100792@hotmail.com
If your child is already baptized, but in a different faith, she should follow a very similar process ending in a Profession of Faith, as well as being confirmed and celebrating the Eucharist the second Sunday of Easter as well.
There is no fee for participating in any of these programs/processes, but your family should be contributing member of St. Luke. Your weekly offering at mass covers all fees. Please be faithful in your contribution to the parish.
It is our heartfelt desire that you take this opportunity to receive the many blessings the Church offers you and your family.
Sincerely in Christ,
Alma A. Cervantes
St. Luke the Evangelist Coordinator of RCIA With Children