CHILDREN'S CATECHUMENATE

Modeled after the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), the Children's Catechumenate at St. Mary is designed for those children new to the Catholic religion.

Together with their parents, children attend classes which are held year round.

The Children's Catechumenate takes the children through a four step process beginning with the "Inquiry Process," where the families get to know one another and share their experiences of God and church.

Next is the "Catechumenate" period, where the families continue to learn about the Catholic Church and it's beliefs. The "Purification & Enlightenment" period follows, a time that coincides with Lent & that through prayer and reflection brings about a sense of need for conversion, culminating with the reception of the appropriate Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Because this is an ongoing process, new inquiries are always welcome. Please contact the Office of Faith Formation and Religious Education for more information about joining this program.