In the Sacraments of Christian initiation, we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We receive the Spirit of filial adoption and are part of the entire people of God in the celebration of the memorial of the Lord’s death and resurrection.
(RCIA General Introduction, P1)
Welcome!
We are excited that you are discerning the possibility of becoming Catholic!
The first step is to contact your local Catholic Church and to meet with your pastor. To find a parish, click below.
Becoming Catholic: An Overview of the OCIA
Parishes welcome new members into the Roman Catholic Church through a process of formation, faith sharing, and rituals known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This process includes several stages marked by prayer, study, and discussion.
The OCIA structure includes a series of ceremonial steps and periods deepening conversion and learning, the timing of which may vary for each individual. One may take as much time as he or she needs in the initiation process before entering into full initiation in the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
The OCIA process may also be adapted to meet the specific needs of families, children and youth.
Who is the OCIA for?
Everyone who is open to growing in conversion and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Church is welcome to participate in the OCIA process in their parish. However, the OCIA is the normative process of becoming Catholic. Therefore, it is designed especially for:
- Unbaptized: persons (age of discretion: 7+ years) called “catechumens.”
- Baptized Christians who wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church who are referred to as “candidates.”
- Baptized Catholic adults seeking to complete their initiation (Confession, Eucharist and Confirmation). They are also considered ““candidates.””
Stages of the OCIA
I. Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
The first stage of the OCIA is called the precatechumenate or “inquiry.” This period begins when an individual first expresses interest in becoming a Catholic, and begins to explore, with the help of the parish community, his or her relationship with Christ and how this can be deepened by joining the Catholic Church.
When a non-baptized individual has experienced conversion and decides to formally begin the OCIA process, they celebrate Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.
This is a liturgical rite in which 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. Once celebrating this rite, the non-baptized are referred to as “catechumen.”
For candidates who have already been baptized and are seeking full communion in the Catholic Church, this step is called the Rite of Welcoming the Candidate.
II. Period of Catechumenate
This second stage is an extended period of formation which normally lasts one year or longer. This is a time of liturgical, catechetical and pastoral formation based on Sacred Scripture and the Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church.
“The length of the catechumenate period will depend on the grace of God and on various circumstances… Nothing, therefore, can be settled a priori [that is, beforehand]. The time spent in the catechumenate should be long enough – for the conversion and faith of the catechumens to become strong” (RCIA Source Book #76).
III. Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This stage typically coincides with the liturgical season of Lent. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and intense spiritual preparation rather than a time of catechetical instruction. A Lenten retreat is offered during this period.
During this time, catechumens celebrate several rites:
- The Rite of Election coincides with the beginning of Lent and is celebrated by the Bishop at the cathedral church of the Diocese on the 1st Sunday of Lent. The Rite 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 Jesus in the Catholic Church. After this Rite, they are referred to as the “elect.”
- The Scrutinies are three public celebrations during the Period of Purification in which the elect are invited to progress in their perception of sin and their desire for salvation. These are celebrated at the local parish church.
While candidates for full communion do not celebrate neither the Rite of Election nor the Scrutinies, they do celebrate The Call to Continuing Conversion, celebrated by the Bishop at the cathedral church of the Diocese.
IV. Period of Mystagogy
Catechumens celebrate of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, held after sundown in their parish church. This beautiful liturgy has been celebrated since the beginnings of the Church. Through this step the elect are admitted into the People of God.
Candidates are received into full communion through the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist during the Easter season. For pastoral reasons, candidates may also celebrate during the Easter Vigil.
If you have any questions about the OCIA process please contact Dcn. Chris Paul at (508) 658-9089 or cpaul@dioc-fr.org