Likewise, the language used in the OCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs. Catechumens are those people who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Candidates are people who have been baptized in a Christian tradition but are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation.

All are Welcome!

OCIA is a Journey

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps outlined below.

Pre-Catechumenate

This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that 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

The first Rite in the OCIA process, where those seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, express publicly, for the first time, their desire to learn more about the Catholic Faith. The Church celebrates and receives them into the Catechumenate.

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

This Rite marks the end of the Catechumenate, where the Candidates and Catechumens are formally recognized by our Bishop. Typically, this Diocesan celebration is on the first Sunday after Ash Wednesday. This Rite also marks the end of the Catechumenate and begins final preparation for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. 

Purification and Enlightenment

The time of purification and enlightenment is a period that gives time for a more intense preparation of spirit and heart. In this period, the elect together with our community give themselves to spiritual recollection as a way to prepare for reception of sacraments. There are three “Scrutinies”, based on Scripture, that aid in the process of self-examination of areas of spiritual weakness and the need for reconciliation in areas of sin.

Sacraments of Initiation

Typically, at the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the OCIA process are received formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. However, the reception of Sacraments is not confined to the Easter Vigil and is determined by the readiness of the Candidate.

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.

OCIA Team

People journeying through the OCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The OCIA team of sponsors help guide, support and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.