Becoming Catholic – Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and the Catechumenate for Children
What is the OCIA?
The OCIA is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. With God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully. (#1 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Who participates in the OCIA? The OCIA is for adults and children age 7 and older, who are seeking membership in the Catholic Church for the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The journey is based on individual readiness and the movement of each candidate from one period of the Catechumenate to the next.
- Those who are unbaptized are prepared to receive the 3 Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
- Those who are baptized in another Christian Tradition also are included in this process of learning and are received into full communion through a profession of faith, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
What about children? Children’s catechists work with our young people in a family-centered catechesis. This processes is called, Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC).
Who can be a Sponsor? All candidates are asked to have a sponsor of his/her choice or from the parish community to walk the faith journey with them. All Sponsors must be fully initiated, active Catholics, and leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and not be bound by a canonical penalty and may not be the parent of candidates.
When do we meet? OCIA sessions that center on prayer, formation in the Catholic church, and spiritual journey are held on Tuesday evenings, beginning on September 9th, from 6:30pm to 8pm, in the Parish Life Center.
Contact Curt Meyers, Director of Discipleship Formation, today for more information about OCIA.
Email: cmeyers@stjpiiparish.com