OCIA
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program is the process for adults to inquire and learn about the Roman Catholic Church. It is
designed to assist each individual in their faith journey and to help them discern where the Holy Spirit is leading them.
For many, this process will culminate at the Easter Vigil, when they are received into the Church.
Background
A candidate is anyone inquiring into the Catholic faith and those already baptized. They will receive the sacraments of Initiation, except Baptism.
A catechumen is a non-baptized person continuing their faith formation and seeking to join the Roman Catholic Church.
The elect are catechumens preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
What is the process?
Inquiry
Interested individuals will visit or join informal Inquiry sessions to meet other seekers and the OCIA team, who supports each person and addresses their questions and concerns.
Catechumenate Period
This is a slightly more formal time of learning and connecting with Scripture.
Purification & Enlightenment
This is a time for internal searching and affirming what is good and right within ourselves and what is not. This period culminates with the Easter Vigil when individuals are received into the Church.
Mystagogia
This is a time for celebrating God's mysteries. It lasts from Easter to Pentecost, when the Church celebrates its birth in the Holy Spirit.
How can you help?
The parishioners of our parish are an essential part of the process for people seeking to join the Roman Catholic Church. As Christians, we are called by our baptism to evangelize others, share the good news,
The first way to do this is to pray for those who have joined OCIA, asking the Lord to guide them, bless them, and create in them a call to holiness, and His Church.
Parishioners can also become sponsors for the Candidates or Catechumens. These parishioners desire to respond to God’s invitation to deepen their own spirituality by involving and investing themselves in the lives and spiritual journeys of those whom God is drawing ever more closely to Himself.
Being a sponsor allows you to be a guide and build beautiful and lasting friendships. Please give prayerful consideration to being a sponsor.