What is OCIA?
OCIA stands for “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.” The OCIA, a program of the Catholic Church, is oriented towards those who researching and inquiring about the Catholic way of life. While this program is oriented for adults, after speaking with our priest, we may accept teenagers who are mature enough to participate in the OCIA.
What is the first step?
Pray. Listen. Encounter. Explore. Sometimes the whole process of becoming Catholic can seem daunting from the outside. But the key is to step out courageously and listen to the voice of the Lord prompting you to “Follow Me”
Typically during the summer months begins the ‘Inquiry Process’ or the time of Question/Answer. Starting in the Fall, the period of the Catechumante begins.
Outline for Christian Initiation of Adults
Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.
First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on some annual date or dates, marking the beginning of the catechumenate proper, as the candidates express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.
Period of the Catechumenate
This is the time, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens’ faith and conversion to God; celebrations of the word and prayers of exorcism and blessing are meant to assist the process.
Second Step: Electrion or Enrollment of Names
This is the liturgical rite, usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, by which the Church formally ratifies the catechumens’ readiness for the sacraments of initiation and the catechumens, now the elect, express the will to receive these sacraments.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This is the time immediately preceding the elects’ initiation, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the East Vigil; it is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinies and presentations and of the preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter vigil, by which the elect are initiated through baptism, confirmation, and the eucharist.
Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy
This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday eucharistic celebration.
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To sign up for Evangelus, simply visit eva.us/shoscoda, register, and click to join Sacred Heart OCIA
