Q: I am looking for any compelling documentation/research/insights beyond the Canons and the RCIA that would help Catholic School principals and teachers understand the importance of a thorough initiation process for Catholic School children asking to become Catholic. We see this from both nonbaptized students and those baptized in another Christian tradition especially during 2nd grade. We must be able to discern a need for belonging from a true conversion and thus be able to cautiously guide them through a thorough RCIA process. I have seen lots of material specific to the Rite itself in a parish program of religion, but none specific to a Catholic School. Since the students are more likely to view their school as family, I think we need to be even more careful during this time of discernment. Thank you so much for all you do in educating us and forming us to be better ministers.
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A: There’s no magic pill, but you’ll find some inspiration in the Directory for Catechesis from the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, available through the USCCB.
Look up “Initiation into Christian Life” in the index, and see especially paragraph 242.