OCIA: Order of Christian Initation
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Becoming Catholic – OCIA
Are you interested in Joining the Catholic Church?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) begins with an awareness… or stirring in one’s heart for something more. It could be a curiosity or sense of longing for fulfillment. Maybe it’s God calling you to explore the life of faith, love, and justice within the community of the Catholic Church. If you are interested in joining the Catholic Church this year, Call our Religious Education Office for details at 302-322-6430 x102.
OCIA is the method by which individuals from other faith backgrounds, or those who have not completed their initiation[1], are educated and received into full communion in the Roman Catholic Church. It is a process of conversion into the Catholic faith. Exceptions would be for individuals who need only to be Confirmed. They would speak to Fr. Roger and he would decide, depending on age and circumstance, whether they would go into Religious Education, OCIA or be sent to the Bishop for confirmation at or near Pentecost
It is also the process by which individuals who are undecided can come to learn more about themselves and their faith. The following questions may help guide you:- DO you hear God’s call?
- DO you want to know more about God’s promise of Eternal Life?
- DO you feel like there’s a void in your life?
- DO you feel something tugging at you and you don’t know what it is?
- DO you want to become Catholic?
- ARE you Baptized in another faith and want to become Catholic
- HAVE you been Baptized Catholic and never received Confirmation or Eucharist?
If you have answered YES to any of the above questions, maybe OCIA is right for you.
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[1] The sacraments of initiation are Baptism (where a person passes into a new life of grace and becomes a member of the Church), Confirmation (where a person is anointed with Holy Oil called Chrism which seals the initiation by the power of the Holy Spirit); and Eucharist (where a person participates at the table of the Lord and marks full membership of “initiation” in the Church.) At the Easter Vigil, we revert back to ancient Christian practice or tradition of receiving one unified sacrament of initiation.
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About the Process
There are four (4) phases to the OCIA process and each phase is marked by a Rite, as outlined below. The Rite is what transitions the individual into the next phase of the OCIA process. A Rite is a ritual/ceremony based on Old Testament practice. It is connected to Jesus. The Rites are celebrated during a Mass.
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- Phase 1 - Inquiry
- Phase 2 - Catechumenate
- Phase 3 - Period of Purification & Enlightenment
- Phase 4 - Celebrating the Sacraments at Easter Vigil
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Phase 1: Inquiry
This is a period of introduction to Gospel values and questioning. The individual is introduced to the community and begins to learn and experience the basics of faith. After a short time and if the individual decides to continue in the OCIA process, the first RITE would be celebrated.
Rite of Acceptance (Catechumen / non-baptized person) or Rite of Welcome (Candidate / baptized person)
This is a liturgical Rite that marks the beginning of the catechumenate period as the catechumens/candidates express – and the Church accepts – their intention to respond to God’s call to follow the way of Christ.
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Phase 2: Catechumenate
This phase is the “heart of the OCIA process. It is marked by a greater learning of the Catholic faith as well as a deepening of the individuals’ own lived faith. It brings to maturity the initial Faith that is manifested in the Rites of Acceptance and Welcome. Then, the next RITE(s).
Rite of Sending
During this Rite the parish expresses their support and sends the Catechumens and Candidates to the Rite of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion.
Rite of Election (Catechumen / non-baptized person)
It is at this Rite when the Catechumen will sign the Book of the Elect. By signing the Book of the Elect, the individual seals his/her covenant with God. The Bishop also signs the Book of the Elect as he “receives” the individual into the family of Christ.
Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion (Candidate / baptized person)
It is at this Rite that the Bishop “accepts” the Candidate to be fully initiated into the Church at Easter Vigil.
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Phase 3: Period of Purification & Enlightenment
This period corresponds with Lent and is the final period of preparation before the Easter Vigil. It is a time for reflection and retreat. The centerpiece of this prayerful preparation is the celebration of the Scrutinies (for the Elect) on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent. Then, the next RITE.
Rite of Scrutinies
The Scrutinies help to purify the hearts of the Elect, strengthen their spirits, recognize and heal any sins, and to deepen the Elects’ resolve to carry out their decision to love God above all things. Prayers are prayed that the Elect will be freed from sin.
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Phase 4: Celebrating the Sacraments at Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil Right is the highlight of the liturgical year. It is the first celebration of the Resurrection and lasts for 50 days.
Afterwards, there is a period of Mystagogy, which means mystery. This period allows the new Catholics to sort through all of their new experiences and to grow in their new found faith by attending Mass serving God by sharing their gifts within the Church community.