OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.” Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. The OCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the apostles. It was the early Church’s way of Christianizing the pagan Roman Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.
 
 Who is OCIA for?
 1. Adults in need of Baptism.
 2. Adults baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
 3. Adults baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.
  
How long is the OCIA process? The time varies for each individual, depending on both knowledge and practice, which leads to conversion. The OCIA text gives guides for discerning each individual's readiness on a case-by-case basis.
 OCIA is a process, not a program, meaning there are no set beginning or ending times.  
  

If you have any questions or are interested in OCIA, email the OCIA Office.
The sessions will start after Labor Day, and the schedule and place are being finalized.
 
What is the process? The Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) is a gradual process by which an interested person becomes a member of the Catholic Church. OCIA, marks the various steps on the way to full commitment within the Catholic Church in five specific periods. It is important to keep in mind that OCIA is a process, not a program. The actual time required is determined more by the development of each person and their discernment with the assistance of the Director and Pastor.

Period of Inquiry/Evangelization: This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of Faith. 

The Period of Catechumenate: Following the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming the “Catechumen” instruction deepens individual conversion and provides for more in-depth focus on the doctrines of the Catholic faith.
 
The Period of Purification and Enlightenment: The Rite of Election marks a period of more intense spiritual preparation intended to purify the mind and heart of the “Elect” and to deepen their knowledge of and relationship to Christ. Typically, this period coincides with Lent, but as the RCIA process is year-round, this can happen whenever a catechumen is ready. 
  
The Sacraments of Initiation: The “Elect” are fully initiated into the Church through the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, traditionally celebrated at the Easter Vigil liturgy.  With the year-round model, reception into the Church can also happen at another Sunday throughout the year.
  
The Period of Mystagogy: After the completion of their Christian initiation the “Neophyte” (new Catholic) enters a period of deepening of their understanding of their new faith. Their focus during this period is development of their personal spiritual life and introduction into full involvement in the Mission of the Church through ministries and outreach. 
 
 

Each Inquirer shares your journey with a Catholic “sponsor.” The sponsor is a baptized and confirmed Catholic who is at least 16-years-old, is actively celebrating the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation and is engaged in ministry. Sponsors can attend classes with you and may attend Mass with you each week to help acquaint you with Holy Archangel’s community. If you know of a Catholic with whom you would like to share this experience, please mention this to the RCIA Director.  Sponsors cannot be your parent or spouse, or fiancé/e, boyfriend or girlfriend. 
 
There are also parish volunteers waiting to serve in this capacity.  If you don’t know a Catholic to choose to sponsor you we will match you with a member from our parish family.

Please fill out the inquiry form, located below. 
After you complete this form you will be contacted by the director of the program for an informal meeting to go over your form and any questions you may have regarding the Catholic Faith.  This is also a time to get to know you better and to explain the details of the RCIA process. 

OCIA INFORMATION FORM
We welcome you as you begin the process of looking at the Roman Catholic Church. We will do all that we can to help you on this Faith Journey. The first thing we ask of you is that you complete this questionnaire.
 
This questionnaire is a useful tool so that we may serve you better and get to know you and your particular situation. It may seem to be long but each question is asked for a particular purpose, although that purpose may not apply to specifically.
 
Please answer all questions that apply to you as fully as possible. The questions that do not apply to you should be left blank or answered with an "N/A". If there are any questions that you do not understand or are uncomfortable with, you may skip them and these will be discussed at your interview with the OCIA Director.
 
Your answers will be treated as confidential and will only be seen by the OCIA Director and the Pastor.
 
After you complete this questionnaire, an appointment will be set up for you with the OCIA Director or Pastor.
 
May God bless you and be with you as you journey with us!