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INTRODUCTION TO
THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTSWhat is OCIA?
OCIA stands for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, which is the Church's process for becoming Catholic. It's the way in which we prepare adults to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. We'll study the Gospels, Catholic teaching, liturgy, and life of the Catholic Church helping to answer questions along the way. But it's so more than just instruction. It's also a community of fellow disciples discerning and growing together, developing and deepening a life of prayer with the support and prayers of our parish.
Discernment and Discipleship
OCIA isn't a certification program that you commit to and then a few months later you get your baptismal certificate. Attending OCIA isn't a commitment to becoming Catholic. This is a time to ask questions and learn about Catholic faith, to strengthen your relationship with God, and discern where God is calling you. OCIA is also not a guarantee that you will become Catholic by a particular date. Though we form a team and have sessions together, each person's faith is their own and the process is unique to each person. The staff at Our Lady of Lourdes and our OCIA team of volunteers are here to help you in that discernment process, but it ultimately comes down to your choice. Those who go through the OCIA and wish to become Catholic are Baptized. If you are already baptized and want to become Catholic, you will prepare for your Confirmation and First Holy Communion. And if you were baptized, but never received the Sacrament of Confirmation, you will prepare for Confirmation.The OCIA Process OCIA Formation OCIA Schedule OCIA Inquiry Form OCIA Intake Form OCIA Sponsor
Who Is Invited to Participate in the OCIA?- People who are not baptized, known as catechumens.
- People who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, known as candidates for profession of faith and full communion.
- People who were baptized Catholic, but did not receive any formal instruction, known as candidates for full communion.
- People who wish to accompany these individuals along their journey of faith, known as sponsors, and people who will present a catechumen or candidate to receive the sacraments and form a lifelong relationship with them, known as godparents.
What should I do to have a good experience in OCIA?
- Be open to the OCIA process. You will get out of the experience what you put in.
- Attend OCIA sessions and events.
- Meditate on the Sunday Gospel readings each week and review session notes and videos.
- Keep a journal for thoughts, questions, and feelings.
- Pray for guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he reminds the Christian community of what is of first importance, namely that Christ has died for our sins and raised on the third day. This central mystery of the faith is passed from apostle to apostle and generation to generation, handed on and received, to lead all to believe that Jesus is Lord. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults continues in this tradition of passing on what has been received to welcome new believers. -
Have any questions? Contact
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afaurourladyoflourdescc.orgDirector of Youth Apostolate
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