Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
Your Journey in Faith Begins Here
Before beginning the process of becoming a Christian, an individual comes to know Jesus Christ, considers their relationship with him, and is usually drawn to the Catholic Church in some way. This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. For some, this process involves a long period of searching; for others, a shorter time. Often, contact with people of faith and personal faith experiences leads people to inquire about the Catholic Church. After a conversation with a priest or a parish director of Christian Initiation, the person known as an "inquirer" may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens through the Rite of Entrance. During this Rite, the inquirer stands before the parish community and declares that he or she wishes to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire, and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.
Becoming a Catechumen
The Period of the Catechumenate can last for several years or a shorter time. It depends on how the person is growing in faith, what questions they encounter along the way, and how God leads them on this journey. During this time, the Catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God's inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means. When a Catechumen, the priest, and the parish team working with him or her believe the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is to request baptism and celebrate the Rite of Election. Even before the Catechumens are baptized, they have a special relationship to the Church.
Rite of Election
The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors, and families gather at the cathedral church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book, and they are called the Elect.
Purification and Enlightenment
The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
Full Communion With the Church
As newly initiated Catholics, they continue their formation and education during the Period of Mystagogy. This period continues at least until Pentecost. During the period, the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities.
If you are interested in finding out more or would like to join the OCIA process, please contact the parish office.