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Rite of Christian Initiation


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​Adapted for Children

Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are the three sacraments of initiation. By these one is incorporated into Christ and His Church.

Children should be baptized as infants. Not only does baptism join the child to Christ and the Church, it allows the child to receive First Communion and Confirmation at the normal time with their peers. If you have a child who is eight years old or younger who has not been baptized, please contact the parish office to schedule a baptism.

When a child reaches "the age of reason," around age seven, the Church considers that person an adult. Adults joining the church receive all the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Children or youth seeking baptism who are nine or older, therefore, must be involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA), adapted for children. They participate in the regular two-year faith formation program, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (up to fifth grade) or Youth Ministry (sixth to twelfth grade), and participate in additional RCIA assemblies. They then receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist with the other adults at the Easter Vigil.

If you have any questions or concerns about the process of RCIA adapted for children, please contact Joel Musser, 919-281-0720. To schedule a baptism for your child aged eight or younger, please contact the Parish Office, 919-682-3449. To sign your child aged nine or older for faith formation and RCIA, please contact the Faith Formation Office, 919-682-3449, ext. 247.