Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Intrigued to learn more about the Faith?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is an amazing opportunity for all individuals— whether you’re just beginning to dive into Catholicism or are in the midst of your discernment.
What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process that helps people become Catholic. It is also a way for Catholics to complete their initiation sacraments.
What does OCIA involve?
Learning about the Catholic Church’s beliefs, life, and liturgy
Developing a relationship with Jesus and the Catholic Church
Receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist
Participating in the parish community
Committing to the Catholic faith’s moral and liturgical life
Who can participate in OCIA?
Non-Catholics who want to join the Catholic Church
Catholics who were baptized as infants but never received Confirmation or Eucharist
Catholics who want to deepen their relationship with the Catholic Church
People who want to learn more about the Catholic faith
The Process
The OCIA journey includes Inquiry, Catechumenate, and Purification/Enlightenment stages.
Inquiry Stage
Take this time to ask questions and research what it means to be a Catholic Christian. Everyone is always welcome to attend Mass as well!
Hit the button below to learn more about why non-Catholics cannot receive the Eucharist:
Catechumenate Stage
This stage marks a readiness to commit and a more formal preparation process. At this time, you become a catechumen, or a learner in faith. Catechumens meet weekly with other catechumens for classes led by Father Jegar to learn more about the content, meaning, and lifestyle of the Catholic Christian faith.
Check out the link below to see videos of past OCIA classes!
Purification & Enlightenment
When a catechumen feels ready to enter into a formal and final period of preparation for full Initiation into the Church, they celebrate the Rite of Election, in which the bishop of the diocese formally selects catechumens for this final preparation period. The former catechumens are at this point known as the “Elect,” that is, the “chosen.” This reminds them and the entire Church community that our membership in the Church comes through a call from God and our response to this call.
The Elect will spend the season of Lent growing deeper in their faith and participate in the three Scrutinies (read more below)
The Scrutinies are a series of rites in the Catholic Church that prepare people for baptism and acceptance into the faith. They are celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent.
The First Scrutiny
The Rite of Acceptance
Description
The Second Scrutiny
The Rite of Sending & The Rite of Election
Description
The Third Scrutiny
The Rite of Initiation
Description
Useful Resources
No matter if you are or aren’t Catholic, there are many resources available that can help all of us grow deeper in our relationships with Christ and the Catholic Church. In addition to the Bible and Catechism of The Catholic Church, check out a few of the links below to help you learn more about why Catholicism is the one true faith.
“Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know You, a heart to seek You, wisdom to find You, conduct pleasing to You, faithful perseverance in waiting for You, and a hope of finally embracing You. Amen.”
St. Thomas Aquinas
So… you in?
If you’re interested in becoming Catholic, please contact our Director of Faith Formation and Family Life, Madeline Tassoni, at mtassoni@stmarystpaulbr.org