OCIA - Becoming Catholic What is the Process? The process by which adults come into the Church has come to be known as the “OCIA,” or “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.” The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a faith journey for those desiring to enter the Catholic Church or those who wish to complete their initiation into the Church. The OCIA Formation Process is for: Unbaptized - Adults who need a process to help them grow in awareness of God’s call to conversion as well as ways to respond to that call, the R.C.I.A. gradually uncovers the story of God’s salvation for all; the mystery of Jesus’s life, death and resurrection; and the workings of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the beliefs, sacramental life and spiritual practices of the Catholic Church. They are considered catechumens. The process of Christian initiation (also known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA) prepares you to enter into the Catholic Church by celebrating what is called the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion).
They were baptized in Another Christian Church - those catechized and uncatechized persons seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. They are considered candidates. Suppose you were already baptized in another Christian tradition. In that case, the initiation process prepares you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion).
Baptized but uncatechized Catholic Adults - persons baptized as infants and not given any religious upbringing within the Catholic Tradition. These adults will be prepared to celebrate the sacraments of Penance, Confirmation, and Eucharist. They are also considered candidates. What is the Order of Christian Initiation? The Order of Christian Initiation is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration amid the parish community. The experience and needs of those in each category described above differ, so the length of time may vary for each person. Yet there are certain similarities among all the groups and the process they will experience. Precatechumenate The first stage is called the period of inquiry (or the precatechumenate). This is when the individual first expresses an interest in becoming a Christian or a Catholic. With the help of the parish community, the individual explores their relationship with Christ and how that relationship might be enriched and deepened by joining this Christian community. There is no liturgical rite to mark the beginning of this stage. This period of inquiry typically lasts 8 weeks. Still, it may last several months or several years and ends when the inquirer feels ready to move forward to the Catechumenate stage when the community is prepared to welcome them or when they decide against continuing in this direction. Catechumenate The second stage is called the catechumenate, and for the unbaptized listed above, who are now called “catechumens,” it continues to the stage of Purification and Enlightenment. The period should be a similar length for the baptized but uncatechized (not yet educated in the faith). “Candidates” for full communion may complete this stage in a shorter time frame. The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (for catechumens) and the Rite of Welcoming (for candidates) mark the beginning of this stage. Catechesis is based on Scripture and proclaimed amid the worshiping community. This is also a time for the catechumen or candidate to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian through their faith journey and the support of their parish community. This period ends when the catechumens and candidates express their desire to receive the sacraments of initiation, and the parish community acknowledges their readiness. The catechumen becomes an “elect,” marked by the Rite of Election during the next stage. Purification and Enlightenment The third stage is the period of purification and enlightenment. It coincides with the liturgical season of Lent. During this time, the elect (catechumens) and the candidates enter into intense preparation and prayer, including the three public celebrations of the scrutinies (for catechumens), marked by the presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. The Rite of Election (for catechumens) and the Call to Continuing Conversion (for candidates) are celebrated at the beginning of this stage. This period ends with celebrating Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. (Note: only the elect are baptized. All receive the sacrament of Confirmation and are welcomed at the Eucharistic table. Mystagogy The fourth stage is the period of post-baptismal catechesis or mystagogy. The newly initiated explore their experience of being fully initiated through participation with all the faithful at Sunday Eucharist and through appropriate catechesis. The period formally lasts through the Easter season and may be marked by a parish celebration on or near Pentecost. On a more informal level, mystagogy is a lifelong process in which all Christians are engaged as we all work to deepen our sense of what it means to live the Christian life. Some Common Questions Must I commit to Catholicism to participate in this program? No! We realize that many people are searching for information about the Church and need to know more about it before committing. We also learn 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 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 make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.