{"id":2828,"date":"2024-08-12T21:12:34","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T21:12:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/?page_id=2828"},"modified":"2026-03-26T18:33:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T18:33:17","slug":"order-of-christian-initiation-of-adults","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/pt-pt\/order-of-christian-initiation-of-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"Order of Christian Initiation of Adults"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What is the O.C.I.A.?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the \u201ctypical setting of initiation, catechesis and mystagogy\u201d and \u201ca training period for the whole Christian life.\u201d [1]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than a program with an unvarying timeline and curriculum, the OCIA is a process of evangelizing catechesis, rooted in the core message of salvation and adapted to the needs of each individual.  The process unfolds gradually and in stages and is designed to facilitate or deepen the conversion and assist participants in becoming or growing as disciples of Jesus Christ through the sacramental life of the Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hardcopies of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults can be purchased here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pre-catechumenate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first phase of the OCIA process, often referred to as \u201cinquiry,\u201d has \u201cno fixed duration or structure.\u201d[2]<\/a>  In this period, an individual first expresses interest in becoming Catholic, begins to experience the first stirrings of faith and \u201cfeels called away from sin and into the profound mystery of divine love.\u201d[3]<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the help of the pastor and his delegates, individuals are encouraged to discern their relationship with Christ and how this can be deepened through the sacraments of Initiation (for those who are unbaptized) or the reception into full communion with the Catholic Church (for those who were validly baptized in a Protestant church).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who are unbaptized (catechumens)<\/em><\/strong> this period concludes with the celebration of the Rite of Entrance into the Order of Catechumens.  Those who are already baptized (candidates)<\/em><\/strong> participate in the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates.  These Rites can be celebrated two or three times a year if necessary.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rite of Entrance into the Order of Catechumens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In this Rite[5]<\/a> the inquirer states publicly that he or she wants to become a Baptized member of the Catholic Church. The Church, through the local parish community, affirms this desire to follow God’s call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the Rite of Entrance, the \u201ccatechumens, whom Mother Church already embraces as her own with love and care, and who are joined to her, already belong to the house of Christ, for they are fed by the Church with the word of God and the aid of the liturgy.\u201d[6]<\/a>  Catechumens are now considered \u201cconverts.\u201d  If they die during their catechumenate, they receive a Christian funeral.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rite of Entrance should not be omitted<\/mark><\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candidates<\/strong> who have already been baptized and are seeking full communion in the Catholic Church, are formally accepted through the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates.[8]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Combined Rites of Entrance and Welcome<\/strong>, see OCIA #\u2019s 505-506 ff<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Catechumenate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This second phase is an extended period which ordinarily lasts from \u201cat least the Easter Time of one year until the Easter Time of the next year.\u201d[9]<\/a>  The length of this period should be long enough for conversion to deepen and faith to mature.[10]<\/a>   This is a time of comprehensive formation, \u201crooted in Sacred Scripture, the truths of Catholic Doctrine and the moral life.[11]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formation in this period should be systematic, \u201cdivided into steps and fully presented\u201d[12]<\/a> leading participants \u201cnot only to a suitable knowledge of dogmas and precepts, but also to an intimate knowledge of the mystery of salvation, which they desire to make their own.\u201d[13]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rite of Election<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The Combined Rites of Election and Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion is celebrated by the Bishop at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River on the 1st Sunday of Lent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rite of Election is MANDATORY for all Catechumens.<\/mark><\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pastors whose catechumens cannot attend the Rite of Election must request permission from the bishop before the beginning of Lent in order to celebrate this rite in their parish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rite of Election includes the official enrollment of names of all those seeking Baptism at the Easter Vigil. At this Rite the catechumens publicly request Baptism and declare their desire to make a faith commitment to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candidates are encouraged to attend the Rite of Calling to<\/em> Continuing Conversion with their sponsors<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period of Purification and Enlightenment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This stage normally coincides with the liturgical season of Lent. It is a time \u201cgiven to a more intense preparation of spirit and heart, which has the character of recollection rather than of catechesis.\u201d[14]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this period, a diocesan retreat is offered to the Elect and candidates, as well as their formators to assist in their immediate preparation for Initiation at the Easter Vigil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Scrutinies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Scrutinies are three mandatory Rites<\/mark><\/u><\/em><\/strong> proper to the Period of Purification in which the Elect are invited to progress in their understanding of the gravity of sin and their desire for salvation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Order of Christian Initiation of Adults #\u2019s 141-146 ff.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Scrutinies are to take place at Sunday Mass on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent,<\/u><\/em><\/strong> using the Cycle A Readings in the Lectionary.[15]<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candidates do not<\/em> participate in the Scrutinies.  The Penitential Rite (OCIA #\u2019s 459-463 ff<\/em>) may be celebrated with candidates on the 2nd Sunday of Lent or on a weekday of Lent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Presentations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Handing on of the Creed and the Handing on of the Lord\u2019s Prayer may take place during the third and fifth weeks of Lent respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n