Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that i have commanded you. – Matthew 28:19-20
- Are you an adult seeking Baptism?
- Are you the parent of a child (8 years or older) or adolescent seeking Baptism for him/her?
The Catholic Church welcomes you! We are eager to help you and your family walk in the process of Christian Initiation. Sometimes this process is called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or OCIA (formerly known as RCIA). This is in reference to the stages and rites of the process. It is the process utilized for preparation of older children, adolescents, and adults for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
OCIA is a process meant to form adults and children of catechetical age seeking baptism into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher. This includes an initiation into the mystery of salvation, the practice of faith, hope, and love, and other virtues in a succession of liturgical rites. Persons baptized into another Christian church and now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are also welcome to participate in the OCIA process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith. For a baptized Christian, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church involves reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and then a Profession of Faith followed by the celebration of Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Steps to the OCIA Process
There are four steps to the OCIA process:
Step 1: The first period consists of inquiry on the part of participants and evangelization on the part of the Church. It ends with the Rite of Acceptance.
Step 2: The second period may last for a year or more, and includes catechesis and the corresponding rites. It concludes with the Rite of Election.
Step 3: The third period ordinarily coincides with Lent along with appropriate rites in preparation for Easter and the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. It is a time of purification and enlightenment.
Step 4: The final period extends through the whole Easter season and is devoted to postbaptismal catechesis or mystagogy. It is a time for deepening the Christian experience, for spiritual growth, and for entering more fully into the life and unity of the Christian community.
The initiation of catechumens (those seeking baptism) and candidates (those seeking full initiation in the Catholic Church) is a gradual process that takes place within the parish community of the faithful.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children (also called the Children’s Catechumenate) is the process for children & adolescents over the age of 7 and under 18 who have not yet been baptized or who have not received First Eucharist or Confirmation with their peers. Parents are to be involved in the Christian Initiation of their children, whose permission is required to participate and to receive any of the sacraments.
If you are an adult and want to inquire more about OCIA or you wish to begin the process, please contact your neighborhood parish.
If you are the parent of a child (8 years or older) or adolescent, contact your nearest parish to learn more about the OCIA adapted for children.
Click here to find a parish near you.
If further assistance is needed, please contact your neighborhood parish or contact the Department for Pastoral Ministries at 210-734 1952 or by email.
Attention OCIA Parish Leaders: OCIA Training
The Department of Pastoral Ministries offers ongoing formation in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults through deanery and parish-based trainings, archdiocesan wide workshops, and collaboration with apostolates dedicated to Christian Initiation Ministry.
See below for our next scheduled Archdiocesan training or consider scheduling a training for your parish or deanery. Training topics to be selected from are:
- An Overview of the OCIA: Introduction to the history of Christian Initiation and the restoration of the catechumenate. Overview of the stages, rites and suggestions for team, process, schedule, and formation.
- The Period of Evangelization & the Pre-catechumenate: How to embrace the call to outreach and evangelization as a parish. Embracing evangelization as an ongoing apostolate of the parish.
- The Period of the Catechumenate: Foundational principles of catechumenal ministry, practical advice for catechetical sessions, community and service in the parish.
- The Period of Purification and Enlightenment: Pastoral principles of this period, rites and scrutinies, role of community and Initiation Ministry team.
- The Period of Mystagogy: Foundational principles for mystagogical ministry, practical advice for implementation, continuing to accompany neophytes.
- OCIA Adapted for Children: Accompanying children in Christian Initiation Ministry, particular circumstances, evangelization & catechesis of children, celebration of liturgical rites.”
To schedule one of these trainings for your parish and/or deanery please contact:
Laura Oliveros
Associate Director of Family Evangelization and Faith Formation
Phone: 210-734-1655
Email: [email protected]
Links
Recommended OCIA Resources
National Statutes for the Christian Initiation of Adults: United States parishes utilize with OCIA Ritual Text (also included in front section of new OCIA texts)
Liturgy Training Publications: OCIA/RICA (español) Texts, Web-based Formation for OCIA Leaders and Catechists
Journey of Faith OCIA Series: Available for children, teens, and adults; Recommended resource
Team Initiation: Conversion Happens Here: Excellent resource for Christian Initiation Ministry (OCIA) with frequent updates and practical material
Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions: OCIA webinar series, related liturgical formation, assists bishops in promotion of liturgical renewal
Questions or Comments?
Barry Schoedel
Director for Family Evangelization & Faith Formation
Phone: 210-734-1960
Email: [email protected]
