OCIA

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, Teens, Youth & Children

What is RCIA?

You may have heard the initials OCIA and wondered what they stood for.  The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a  process by which adults and children over the age of seven (7), seek information about the Roman Catholic Church.  The OCIA is a gradual process.  The journey is one of prayer, scripture, learning about our Faith, discernment and celebrations marking milestones along the way.   Those who decide to enter the Catholic Tradition of Faith do so through celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

 The Church considers children over the age of seven (7) as adults. The OCIA process is for them too and follows the same process of prayer and formation but learning is geared to the ages of those participating.  

WHO IS THE RCIA FOR?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is for unbaptized persons

 Those baptized into another Christian tradition who wish to become a Catholic

 Baptized Catholics who were never formed in the Catholic faith and have not completed their initiation; that is, who have received neither of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

 Unbaptized children over the age of seven (7)

 Pre-Catechumenate

This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.

Rite of Initiation

The first Rite in the OCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshiping community.

Catechumenate

The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.

Rite of Election

Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.

Sacraments of Initiation

At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the OCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Mystagogy

This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.

CONTACT CHERYL LEE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED 231.326.5888