Interested in Becoming Catholic?
What is the OCIA?
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process of initiation into the Catholic Community of Faith for persons who are experiencing a conversion in their lives and seeking either Christian baptism in the Catholic Church or full Communion with the Catholic tradition of Eucharist and Confirmation.
It is a process that enables the study of the Gospels, Catholic Christian teaching, the acceptance of Christian values and morality, and the development and deepening of a life of prayer and action with the support and involvement of the local Christian community. The OCIA is more than a course of instruction. It is a process of conversion, designed to meet the unique and individual needs of the participants.
Who is OCIA for?
- Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith
- Those, above the age of 7, who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism, or Profession of Faith
Why an OCIA Process?
Christians are made, not born. There is nothing automatic or instant in the Christian initiation. The development of faith takes time; it cannot be rushed. The candidates must be allowed sufficient time for their faith to ripen. Everyone goes at their own pace and we are called to walk with those who are making this journey. It is based on the time that the individual needs to come to a decision. This could be a year or two. There is no rush, as salvation is a process, not a momentary decision.
In the past (in fact, hundreds of years ago), a person desiring reception into the Christian Community studied, prayed, fasted, and did good works for three years. Initiation takes time. Initiation is more than doctrinal instruction. It is a way of coming to know the traditions, the people, the prayer, and the actions of the community.
Five Stages of the OCIA Process
1. Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate
At this time participants are encouraged to ask questions and explore the basic tenets of the Catholic faith and to reflect upon these in light of their own life experiences.
2. The Catechumenate
It is during this time that most of the study of Scripture, doctrine, traditions, and meeting with the community takes place.
3. Purification & Enlightenment
For those preparing for baptism, this stage takes place during the Lenten season where they reflect upon their own faith experiences in a more intense, prayerful way. Other times during the year, baptized candidates reflect more deeply upon the meaning of their baptism and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.
4. Sacraments of Initiation
Candidates for baptism celebrate their initiation into the Church on the holiest of nights-the Easter Vigil – where they are baptized, confirmed, and receive Eucharist. Candidates for full communion may celebrate their Rite of Reception at other times throughout the year.
5. Mystagogia
This is a time for candidates to reflect upon their experiences of being new Catholic Christians and find their place in the ordinary life of the Church.
Some Common Questions
- Must I make a commitment to Catholicism to participate in this program?
No! We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before they make such a commitment. We also realize that Catholicism is not for everyone. We ask for no firm commitment until the beginning of Lent. - I was baptized a Methodist, Baptist, etc. Must I be re-baptized in order to join the Catholic Church?
No! There is only one Baptism. Candidates seeking full Communion within the Catholic Church will not be baptized again. They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. - What steps do I need to take to begin the process of Inquiry?
Please contact the Jacqui Rapp, Director of Adult Formation for information.
Forms:
CHILDREN’S CATECHUMENATE:
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) is the formal catechesis program for children ages 7-13 who are coming into The Church.
RCIC is for children who have been baptized in another Christian faith who want to join The Church through a Profession of Faith or children who have not been baptized at all.
Families desiring their child(ren) to go through RCIC will need to contact Margaret Schay in order to set up a plan for further formation.
Families of children who have been baptized Catholic but have not received further sacraments at the standard time will need to contact Margaret Schay to make arrangements.