Parents play a vital role as their children prepare for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist through the catechumenal process. They help nurture their children’s faith and understanding as they accompany them on the path toward discipleship and initiation into Jesus Christ and his Church. This booklet answers the questions parents and guardians often ask as they help their children embrace the faith of the Catholic Church. It can also assist initiation coordinators, parish staff members, and catechists to begin a conversation with the parents and guardians as they and their children start on the path outlined in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Ideally, this resource will be given to the parents or guardians after the initial, face-to-face meeting and reinforce the explanation of why it is so important for parents or guardians to be involved in their child’s journey of faith: the Church says that parents are the primary catechists of their children and wishes for them accompany their children on the journey.

This resource aims to recognize and acknowledge that children of varying ages and states of faith formation undergo a variety of paths to Christian initiation. However, using the rite itself as a backbone, this new book will help RCIA coordinators, catechists, and DREs with suggestions on how to adapt the rite for children. The book will document the author's expertise and experience in ushering children through the process and offers readers practical suggestions to help children and families, and at the same time, helps to underscore that the Rite should be their foundation for how they will do this.

Children of varying ages and states of faith formation undergo a variety of paths to Christian initiation. This book is an invaluable resource for initiation coordinators, catechists, and directors of religious education as they prepare children and their families to undertake their journeys of faith. Author Rita Burns Senseman shares the Church’s wisdom concerning the vision of children’s initiation according found in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). You will find parish-tested models and sample sessions; appendixes on how to prepare and lead child catechesis, and how to celebrate the liturgical rites; answers to frequently asked questions; and a glossary of terms. This book has been revised according to the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

This resource is a small, informational supplement to the Guide to Adapting the RCIA for Children (and the RCIA resource for teens) to help parents or guardians of children seeking to become Catholic and explain the process of the RCIA. It contains frequently asked questions and answers that will address concerns or clarify misconceptions about the process. This resource aims to explain and help the parents or guardians understand why and how their child will undergo RCIA and not simply be folded into a religious ed class.

Open Wide the Doors to Christ, is a powerful tool for both teachers and students of the Catholic faith. As an excellent resource for RCIA and Adult Faith Formation, this insightful book discusses the basics of the Catholic faith -- and how we can live it fully. As the "meat and potatoes" of Catholicism, it is an introduction to the Church's teachings on the Creed, the sacraments, the moral life, prayer and much more -- with particular focus upon those who are seeking to become Catholic. Presented in a way that adults from all walks of life can understand, the book challenges readers to dig deeper and to continue to grow in their understanding of Christ and the Catholic Church.

This volume provides all who minister to young people with an effective blueprint for building a truly meaningful ministry

This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen’s relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience. The Living Word™: Leading RCIA Dismissals, Year A includes: - Guides for dismissal sessions for every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation of Year A - Seasonal overviews, Scripture backgrounds, and preparation materials for catechists - Seasonal dismissal texts for the priest celebrant - Complete reflection texts with discussion sparkers on the readings of the day - Centering ideas and closing prayers - Suggestions for additional catechetical topics that are connected to the readings of the day - An appendix with dismissal guides for the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and the three Scrutinies

Nail down the facts, tear down the barriers! The Catechism of the Catholic Church is over nine hundred pages long, so it comes as no surprise that many Catholics think of their faith as complex—and certainly too complex to share with others! A Well-Built Faith—cleverly developed around a construction theme—makes it easy and flat-out fun for any Catholic to know what they believe and to feel confident in sharing those beliefs with others. The eighteen-chapter book—at times profound, at times humorous, always practical—follows the structure of the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer). Taking otherwise difficult topics about the Catholic faith and making them accessible and relevant to the lives of average Catholics, acclaimed author and teacher Joe Paprocki does so in a way that never compromises the rich depth of Catholic teaching and tradition. From the Trinity to the seven sacraments, from the Ten Commandments to the Lord's Prayer, A Well-Built Faith will help Catholics nail down the facts of the faith and tear down the barriers keeping them from sharing their beliefs with others.

With its captivating writing style and charming art, this book not only teaches young children the parts of the Mass, but also show them why joining in is an experience of love.