The formation and initiation rites for adults eighteen years and older have been in practice in parishes throughout the United States in the decades following the Second Vatican Council. Yet from a report issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops titled the Journey to the Fullness of Life, indicated that approximately one third of parishes have adopted the Rite of Christian Initiation for adolescents. Due to various economic, social, cultural and family issues, there is an increasing need for catechetical formation and ritual celebrations for those teens fourteen to eighteen years of age who are uncatechized. Increasing numbers of uncatechized teens, especially those attending public high school, have come to parishes seeking full initiation.This project offers a model for parishes that do not have an RCIA process for teenagers. It provides a compassionate environment in which uncatechized teens in a peer group setting can be catechized in the Catholic Christian faith and grow spiritually through prayer, liturgy and a community of faith. It will also provide a process for teens that might otherwise be displaced in a general Confirmation process or not be included in any sacramental preparation process. The catechetical sessions culminate with the initiation Sacraments either at the Easter Vigil or during a teen Confirmation Mass with the Bishop.
