What is the OCIA?
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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 within the Catholic tradition through reception of Eucharist and Confirmation.
It is a process which 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 RCIA 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 who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism or Profession of Faith
- Those who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received religious education, First Eucharist, or Confirmation.
WHY an OCIA PROCESS?
Christians are made, not born. There is nothing automatic or instant in the Order of Christian Initiation. The development of faith takes time; it cannot be rushed. The candidates must be allowed sufficient time for their faith to ripen. Ordinarily, this means anywhere from one to two years of formation depending, of course, on the background and spiritual maturity of the candidates.
In the past (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 RCIA PROCESS1. 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
The study of Scripture, doctrine, traditions and meeting with the community takes place during this stage.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.4. Sacraments of Initiation
Candidates for baptism celebrate their initiation into the Church, usually on the holiest of nights, the Easter Vigil, where they are baptized, receive Eucharist, and are confirmed.5. Mystagogia
SOME COMMON QUESTIONS
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.- 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.
- 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. Baptized Christians 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?
Email [email protected] for more information.