OCIA

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OCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for those who want to grow deeper in their relationship with God while learning about the Catholic faith. OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.

OCIA is for non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.

OCIA is a Journey

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over time and follows distinct stages. It has several steps:

Period of Evangelization & Precatechumenate

The first Rite in the OCIA process, the Rite of Acceptance welcomes new members into the worshiping community.

Period of the Catechumenate

Those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you're developing your faith and are being "catechized"—learning catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

This is a six-week period that parallels the season of Lent. It is a time of deep discernment and preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Rite of Election

Catechumens are sent from the parish to be Elected by the Bishop to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Sacraments of Initiation

At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, the Elect who have been journeying through OCIA are welcomed formally into the community of believers by receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.

Mystagogy

This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogy means "leading into the mystery" and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith by delving into an even deeper prayer life and relationship with Jesus in order to become missionary disciples who will go out and share the Gospel with others.

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