Becoming Catholic -
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

What is OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process by which one explores faith and life in the Catholic tradition. The Rite is modeled after the initiation process used in the first centuries of the early Church. It includes a combination of study, prayer, and participation in the liturgy and certain rites at Mass. Participants, known as catechumens, undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess their faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

There are several, distinct  periods of formation. Some occur during certain times in our church year. Others are ongoing and tailored to an individual's journey.

Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

This period is also known as the Period of Inquiry. After consultation with an advisor, the "inquirer" may decide to seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or Candidates.

Period of the Catechumenate

In both the Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate (non-baptized inquirers) and the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates (validly baptized inquirers), the inquirer states his or her desire to become a member of the Catholic Church and the assembly affirms that desire, welcoming the individual into the catechumenate. The catechumens and candidates continue to learn about the Church and experience life in our Catholic community. During this period, the catechumens are dismissed from mass for reflection, prayer, and faith-sharing inspired by the Sunday liturgy. 
This period ends with the Rite of Sending Catechumens for Election on the Sunday before Lent begins.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

At the Rite of Election, held on the first Sunday of Lent, the catechumen's names are enrolled in the Book of the Elect, and they begin their final preparation for the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.

Period of Mystagogy

Following the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation, the neophytes continue to meet until Pentacost, sharing the graces received at the Easter Vigil and continuing to grow in faith with their Christian community.

How long is the OCIA program?

How long does it take for any relationship to develop? We all journey on different paths at different times. The Period of the Catechumenate, or period of instruction, can last for as long as several years or for a shorter time. It all depends on how the catechumen is growing in the faith. When a catechumen and the OCIA Team believe the individual is ready to make a full faith commitment to Jesus and the Catholic Church, a request is made and the Rite of Election celebrated.

What if I am already baptized?

OCIA offers classes for men, women and children in grades 3 through 12, who are validly-baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics, into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

What if I am not baptized?

OCIA offers classes for men, women and children aged 7 or older into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).

When are OCIA sessions?

OCIA sessions for adults

Meets regularly, usually on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

OCIA adapted for children and teens

Meets regularly, from September through June, on Sunday mornings. Families attend the 10am Mass together and then the children and teens meet from 11:15am to 12:30pm. OCIA sessions involving children and teens is one of family catechesis, with parents attending sessions during the same time the children and teens are in their sessions.

If you are interested in learning more about OCIA or OCIA adapted for Children and Teens, please contact Laura Hughes at [email protected] or the Faith Formation office at [email protected].

 

OCIA Team

The preparation of adults, children and teens for the sacraments of Christian Initiation is the responsibility of the entire parish community. The OCIA team exercises this responsibility in these different roles:

• Sponsors are companions to adult seekers as they walk the journey to initiation
• Ministers of hospitality provide refreshments for weekly meetings and for celebrations
• Catechists lead the sessions of Breaking Open the Word on Sundays and facilitate weekly sessions

If you are interested in volunteering to help with OCIA or OCIA adapted for Children and Teens, please contact Laura Hughes at [email protected] or the Faith Formation office at [email protected].