Baptism for Children of the Age of Reason

Any unbaptized adult, or any unbaptized child who has reached the age of reason (i.e.,

is of catechetical age), is

• enrolled into the Order of Catechumens, participates in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (or in its special rite for children [CICCA]6) and

• is initiated into the Church by celebrating baptism, confirmation and eucharist with the first reception of communion at one liturgy.

• The person is baptized, then confirmed and then receives first communion in that one liturgy.7

[From the diocesan booklet on Sacraments of Initiation “Called to Faith”]

If Catholic parents have for some reason missed the occasion of baptizing their infant/child during the years before the child has reached the age of reason ( Seven years— See footnote #1 above), the Church provides a different process of preparation for this sacrament. As a rule the child is enrolled in the CICCA (Christian Initiation for Children of Catechetical Age). The CICCA is modeled after the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). It is a program that presents a comprehensive overview of the Catholic faith geared towards the age of the participant. The child will be enrolled into the Order of Catechumens and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist at one liturgy. (The Easter Vigil)

Parents need to:

1. Contact the pastor for an initial interview

with him or the director of the RCIA/CICCA program.

2. Enroll their child in the program

specified by the pastor/Director of Religious Education.