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You may be wondering, who can be part of OCIA?
OCIA is for the following persons:
- Anyone interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic
- Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith
This would include:
- Someone who has never been baptized.
- Someone who has been baptized in another faith tradition, but who has an interest in the Catholic faith.
- A person who has been baptized a Catholic, but has not received all of their initiation sacraments (Holy Communion and/or the sacrament of Confirmation)
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Stages of OCIA
OCIA helps adults grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic worship, teaching and practices, get acquainted with people in the parish, and get involved in service. There are four stages in the process.
1. Inquiry: During this time, inquirers meet with members of the OCIA team to discuss their faith journey and its connection with the Gospel. Meetings are every Thursday evening.
The period of inquiry is a time for:
- Participating in a small group Bible study
- Asking questions about the Catholic faith
- Building community within the group
- Developing a trusting atmosphere
- Examining God’s presence in our lives, past and present
- Learning about prayer
- Fostering conversion
2. Catechumenate: During this stage, participants become familiar with the teachings of the Church and Catholic tradition and practices. It is a time for the growth of the catechumens and candidates’ faith and their conversion to God. Catechumenates and candidates continue to build community and learn about the basic teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church.
3. Purification and enlightenment: At this stage, during Lent, there is a greater emphasis on prayer and reflection in preparation for receiving Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
4. Mystagogia: This period lasts from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. 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 kingdom of God on earth as new members of the faithful.
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OCIA Glossary
- OCIA: (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults): the process for adults who desire to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.
Catechumen: A person who has not been baptized.
Candidate: A person who has been baptized into another Christian faith community. The term also refers to baptized Catholics who have not been fully initiated by receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
OCIA team: A group of committed Catholics who meet with inquirers on a regular basis. They serve as facilitators and have some responsibility for teaching during the catechumenate period. They serve as ministers of hospitality and help to deepen the inquirers’ connection with the parish.
Sponsor: Someone who accompanies the candidate or catechumen on his/her faith journey and celebration of the sacraments.