Catholic Parish of Edwardstown

Sacramental Programme

2010

Sacramental Meeting 7pm 18th September

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The Sacramental Programme ( or R.C.I.C.

What Is R.C.I.C.?

R.C.I.C. is "The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children".

It is a program for the preparation & celebration of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation for school age children.

 Why Are We Following This Program?

 Working closely with our Parish priest, and observing initiation programs in other schools, we have been very impressed with this program. It follows the format of "The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults" and we believe that it contains activities and information that will equip you, the parent and chief educator of your child to successfully develop the faith of your child and prepare him/her for the celebration of the sacraments.

 Who is Involved? 

Kathy Horan                   - Parishioner and registered teacher  

Sue Coghlan-McHugh    - REC St. Anthony's School

Julie Hopgood                - Parishioner and registered teacher

Cate Birch                      - Principal St. Anthony's School

Father Phillip Alstin         - St. Anthony's Parish Priest

 KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM

 Parent Information Session

•  Held before the program starts to help parents understand the commitment needed

•  Provide all details of the program

•  Provide opportunities for parent questions

 Discerning Your Child's Readiness

•  Takes place after parent information session. (4 weeks)

•  Parents discern their child's readiness through talking and listening to their child about the Catholic faith.

•  Is the time right for my child?

•  Is the time available for parents to properly support their child?

 A child Indicates Readiness By:

•  Recognising the difference between right and wrong

•  Wanting to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.

•  Talking about Jesus

•  Showing empathy for other people

•  Wanting to come to Saturday/Sunday Mass.

•  Asking questions about the Catholic faith.

 Meeting With The Parish Priest

 Once parents have decided to proceed with the program, they need to make a time with Father Phillip. This can be done by ringing 82971699.

 THE PROGRAM

 Commitment

•   It is expected that parents and children will attend all sessions and be regular Saturday/ Sunday Mass attendees. 

Rite of Welcome/Acceptance

•  If a child is unbaptised, they are welcomed into the parish community at the parish Mass on a date to be advised.

•  For baptised children: they are accepted into the program at this same Mass.

•  The unbaptised are now called catechumens and the baptised are called candidates.

 Parent Sessions

•  These are held to help parents understand the contemporary meaning of the sacraments and to help them talk to their children about them.

•  Times, dates and themes are:

     To be advised.

•   Information will also be provided lo help parents discuss the weekly Gospels.

 Parent/Child Sessions

•  These are interactive and hands-on activities that will start with a pizza meal half an hour before the session begins.

•  Parents and children will be lead through activities that help them understand and prepare for each of the sacraments of initiation plus reconciliation. 

•  Dates, times and themes are:  

To be advised.

 Community Outreach

 Families are encouraged to participate in the Parish community. This could be:

•  Preparing morning tea for 9.30am Mass

•  Working in a Vinnies shop.

•  Making soup for Moore St. Soup Kitchen

•  Making sandwiches for Fred's Van

•  Saturday/ Sunday altar serving

•  Visiting sick parishioners with the Friends of Luke

•  Welcoming at Sat/Sun Mass

•  Helping with overheads at Sat/ Sunday Mass

•  Singing with the youth group at Mass 

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