Order of Christian Initiation
for Adults
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a journey of discernment, exploration, and faith formation for adults who want to learn more about the Roman Catholic Church. During this time, you will learn about Catholic liturgy, the Sacraments, as well as the teachings, prayers, and history of the Church. Most importantly, you will learn what is means to live as a Catholic disciple of Christ in the world today.
OCIA Is a Journey
The Order of Christian Initiation is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:
Pre-Catechumenate
This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens (those who have not been baptized) and Candidates (those who have been baptized) discern whether Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
Rite of Entrance and Welcoming
The first Rite in the OCIA process, the Rite of Entrance and Welcoming formally acknowledges those who are inquiring into the Catholic faith.
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 received by the Bishop and the community and continue to prepare 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.
Our Program
OCIA will be available this year in the St. Gaspar Family of Parishes, starting in September at St. Joseph on Thursdays at 7:00 PM, starting September 3 at the St. Joseph Parish Center. We will use “Invited: Your Journey into the Catholic Church” series from Ascension. Cost for the workbook and internet access to the videos is $35. Scholarships will be offered on an as-needed basis.
Join the Journey, Become a Sponsor
Persons from the parish are encouraged to become part of the lives of our initiates by becoming involved in OCIA. Why be a sponsor? Christ calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Being an OCIA sponsor for someone on their journey to be fully initiated into the Church is a wonderful opportunity to answer Christ’s call. Additionally, walking with someone learning about the Catholic faith is a great way to grow in your own faith.
Expectations of a Sponsor
· Praying for your candidate on a regular basis
· Attending mass weekly
· Attending a sponsor training session (Time: TBD)
· Attending a majority of weekly OCIA meetings (Classes run September – May)
· Meeting regularly with your candidate to encourage, accompany and invite them to parish happenings
Contact: Deacon Rusty Baldwin, 937-228-2013, [email protected]