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Order of Christian Initiation
of Adults

WHAT IS OCIA?

 

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults process invites participants to grow in their understanding of the Catholic Church, its teachings, and way of life.  It is faith formation focused on Jesus Christ and getting to know him more deeply.  Prayer, study, fellowship, and celebration of the Rites in Mass mark the OCIA process.  Typically, those who participate in OCIA, and who choose to become Catholic, will celebrated the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist) during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.  After Easter, the newly initiated continue to meet for several more weeks to deepen their Christian experience through spiritual and communal growth.

 

Who might want to consider OCIA?

  • Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.  This includes the unbaptized, as well as anyone baptized in another church.

  • Anyone who might be thinking about becoming Catholic

  • Current Catholic who might like to learn more about their faith

  • Baptized Catholics who might need to complete the process to be in full communion with the Church

 

Meetings:

OCIA Sessions are held on Tuesday nights from 6:45 – 8:15.  Typically, OCIA begins in August.  If you miss the August start, you are encouraged to inquire about joining at anytime.

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THE OCIA PROCESS

 

The OCIA process is comprised of four periods, with each period designed to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Those in OCIA will be introduced to beliefs, life, liturgy, and ministry of the Catholic Church and community.

 

Period of Inquiry (Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate)

Participants receive both spiritual and doctrinal preparation in an effort to experience and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.  Completion of this Period is the Rite of Acceptance.

 

Typical topics for Period of Inquiry:

  • What brought you to OCIA?

  • Who is Jesus Christ?

  • The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

  • Prayer and liturgy

  • Sacred scripture, the Bible

 

 

Period of Catechumenate

Participants are given deeper guidance and formation aimed at assisting them in living the Christian life more fully.  Completion of this Period is the Rite of Election.

 

Typical topics for Period of Catechumenate:

  • Mass: Liturgy of the Word

  • Mass: Liturgy of the Eucharist

  • Liturgical Calendar

  • Mary and the Rosary

  • Christian Morality

 

 

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

Coinciding with the season of Lent, participants join the St. Joseph community in self-reflection and examination of conscience.  Completion of this Period is receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

 

Typical topics for Period of Purification and Enlightenment:

  • 7 Sacraments of the Church

  • Sin

  • Repentance and Reconciliation

  • Nicene Creed

  • Scrutinies

 

Period of Mystagogy

Participants become more fully integrated into the faith community and deepen their Christian experience through further spiritual and communal growth.

 

Typical topics for Period of Inquiry:

  • Living a sacramental life

  • Evangelization

  • Stewardship

  • Discipleship

  • Lay Ministry

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