The Family RCIA Program is designed to welcome the entire family into the Catholic Church. 

Introductory letter for RCIA Family

For your convenience we have posted the Faith Formation registration packet, for you to print and return to the parish office, below.

2012 2013 FF Registration Packet

RCIA Family CALENDAR for Sacramental Preparation

                 Sacramental Preparation Coordinator  Wendy Sleisher 375-6651 x 118

                                                                               wsleisher@stmarksboise.org

Informational/Inquiry Pre-catechumenate Sessions*

        August 19, 2012 or August 26, 2012 after 11am Mass, 12:30-2pm

        *please arrange for an initial family interview with Wendy before classes start in September 

 

Family RCIA Monthly Catechumenate Classes after 11am Mass, 12:30-3pm 

        Sept. 23, Oct. 21, none in Nov., Dec. 9, 2012, Jan. 6, 2013, Feb. 10,

        March 10 (Retreat), April 7 (Mystagogia)

        

Ceremonies for Baptized and Unbaptised

    TBA                RITE OF WELCOME at St. Mark’s 11am

    Feb 17, 2013   RITE OF SENDING from St. Mark’s 11am  (tentative date by bishop)

    Feb 20, 20123 RITE OF ELECTION St. John’s Cathedral (tentative date by bishop)

          (for unbaptised “catechumens” with parents & sponsors, baptized candidates

          encouraged to attend, be recognized and meet our bishop, our Special Presider,   

          Bishop Michael Driscoll  7:00 pm Mass, 807 N. 8^th Street, downtown Boise)

Mar. 3, 10, 17, 2013 – RITES OF SCRUTINY at St. Mark’s 11am Mass for the elect

   Dismissal after Homily until the end of Mass to “Break Open the Word of God” for all kids

Mar. 30, 2013 Easter Vigil   8:00pm-11pm The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist will be received by our elect and candidates; practice 11am-12noon Saturday, March 30,  with sponsors only at St. Mark’s Church.

 

                            

ALSO ON THE “TO DO” LIST

1. Sponsor needed for Rite of Welcoming, if available.  Otherwise, parents welcome to participate in the place of the sponsor.

2. Arrange for Godparents and/or Sponsor for each child by November 11, 2012.

3. Children & Youth who are already baptized should receive the sacrament of penance before receiving Confirmation and first Holy Communion. There will be times available during Advent and Lent at the Church for communal penance services. Parents can also make arrangements on Saturdays from 3:30-4:30pm, or separate arrangements with the priest. A special first reconciliation penance service at Church Dec.1, 2012, 10am or 12pm

4. Enroll and participate in weekly peer faith formation classes

      Elementary Level Sundays 9:40-10:55am between 8:30am &11am Masses

      Elementary Level Wed. afternoons 4:30-6pm or Wed. eves 6:30-8pm

      Middle School (grades 6-8)  CATALYST Wednesday eves 6:30-8pm

      High School (grades 9-12) Sunday eves after 6pm Mass, 7-8:30pm

5. Choose a confirmation patron saint name due by January 6, 2013

6. Personal Interview before Rite of Sending with Family/Teacher to be arranged with Wendy before February 17, 2013

7. Child’s Family Service Project Report due March 10, 2013

8. Child’s Interview of a Confirmed Catholic due by March 10, 2013

9. March 3, 10, 17, Dismissal from 11pm Mass for children after Scrutiny rites. Elect & Candidates “break open the Word of God” with catechist until Mass ends

10. Child’s Personal Letter to Bishop Mike on being Confirmed due by March 13, 2013

Questions often Asked

May I just drop off my child for class? An adult is required to attend every monthly class and retreat with the child(ren) enrolled.  This can be a parent, grandparent, sponsor or other adult family member or friend.

 

What if we can’t make it to all the classes?  It is important to make it to the majority of the 10 classes, including the retreat. Any work missed would need to be made up and returned to Wendy for credit.

 

What if we don’t know anybody who could be a sponsor? Our Sacramental Preparation coordinator can help to find a parishioner who could be a sponsor for your child as part of the Church’s ministry to be of support to our families.

What is appropriate clothing to wear?

For any of the rites it would be appropriate to have the children dress up a bit, since they will be in front of the congregation. On regular class days they can wear regular clothes. 

 

Clothes for Sacramental Reception: Sacraments of Initiation are very special celebrations. Wearing your best clothes is advised for the Easter Vigil. It is appropriate, though not required, for girls to wear white dresses as a symbol of purity and a reminder of their baptism –a veil or flower wreath for hair is optional. Most older girls wear a very nice dress or semi-formal wear. It is appropriate for boys to wear suits, jacket, or nice slacks with a white shirt (for baptismal purity) and tie.

Let Wendy know if you need help with appropriate clothing for sacramental reception.

Clothes for those being Baptized: If your child is going to be baptized, he/she should wear clothes that can get wet, like a t-shirt and shorts, under a purple gown (provided by church). After baptism, they will have time to change into a second set of clothes– so, if you are concerned about hairstyles, come early all dressed up and take pictures before Mass. The church will provide a white robe for the newly baptized to wear.

Where do I take my contribution for the potlucks? Bring your food labeled FOR RCIA to the kitchen near the Parish Hall. If you attend the 11am Mass, you can put the cold food in the kitchen refrigerator, frozen treats in the freezer, or plug in a crockpot in the kitchen or set item in the conventional oven on low.  Please be considerate of those serving coffee hour when you are in the kitchen.

What do we do after my child has received the Sacraments?  The Sacraments are a celebration of your child’s full initiation as a member of the Catholic Church and participation in the life of the faith community. We expect your child to continue growing in his or her faith at home and within our faith community by faithful attendance at Mass, faith formation classes and participating in Parish LIFE events and ministries appropriate for the child’s age and ability. We will help your family in this process and hope to help you feel that you belong to the Body of Christ and can share your gifts with us and others.  There will be a class required after reception of the sacraments that are part of the RCIA Family process in which we will address the needs of your child and family to know better “What comes next?”