Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

Whether you are just starting to explore the Catholic faith, have been considering becoming Catholic for a while, or were baptized Catholic but received no other sacraments, we are here to walk with you on your journey of faith. Full initiation into the Catholic Church is constituted by participation in the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The process to prepare for the reception of these Sacraments is the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) – a process of spiritual and educational formation that has been handed down to us from the early Church.

We also have a program designed specifically for children. To learn more about OCIA for children, view our site Baptism for Children ages 7-13.

If you are still in the early stages of inquiry and would like to speak to someone, we invite you to contact the Ascension Parish Center at 708-848-2703. As an Inquirer, there is no formal commitment or promise to become Catholic; just a genuine interest in finding out if this religion best helps you respond to the invitation from Jesus to “come and see.”

What is OCIA

Who Participates in OCIA?

Unbaptized Adults: The OCIA is primarily intended for unbaptized adults, who, upon hearing the Gospel message and receiving formation in the Christian way of life, choose to become followers of Christ by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

Adults Baptized as Christians: The OCIA process also serves adults baptized in a Christian denomination or community who are now interested in living out their Christian life in the Catholic Church. Any baptism that has been performed with water and the Trinitarian formula (invoking the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is considered valid; therefore baptism is not repeated. Rather, we welcome these men and women into the full communion of the Catholic Church through their profession of faith and reception of the remaining sacraments of initiation: Confirmation and Eucharist. Adults are received throughout the liturgical year based on their readiness and formation.

Adults Baptized Catholic: From time to time the OCIA includes adults who were baptized in the Catholic faith, but did not grow up practicing this faith or receiving regular formation or additional sacraments. While already a part of the full communion of the Catholic Church due to their Catholic baptism, these men and women are seeking to complete their sacraments of initiation with the celebration of Confirmation and Eucharist. Being confirmed and receiving First Eucharist is often celebrated at the Easter Vigil but may be celebrated at other feasts or when the Bishop comes to confirm.

What is involved in OCIA? When does it start?

The OCIA process walks with each person both individually and in the context of community. When it begins will depend on the person who is seeking. Very often people have attended Catholic Mass for many years before a decision is made to become Catholic. At other times, someone with no formal religious training or even exposure to Jesus Christ suddenly discovers the Gospel and wishes to become a disciple. Formation and information will be different for these two individual people, yet their shared desire to grow closer to Christ and to belong to the Catholic Church will shape their common journey as well. There is no “one size fits all,” but the Church does recognize certain stages on the journey to full initiation into the Catholic church which are often celebrated together.

Most people begin as “Inquirers”; someone thinking seriously about what it means to be a Catholic, but not quite ready to commit. Inquiry can take weeks, months, or even years. It is what makes the OCIA process unique, this walking with and accompanying an individual at his/her own pace addresses the needs of the whole person. Our parish respects the differences and honors the journey of those who seek.

When someone decides that Catholicism is right for them, that they wish to be united with the Church and be a committed disciple of Jesus, the community celebrates this with the Rite of Acceptance. This ritual publicly marks the desire to officially enter formation for initiation into the Catholic Church. This ritual brings individuals into the second stage of formation known as the Catechumenate. Regular attendance at Sunday Mass with fellow Catechumens (unbaptized persons) and Candidates (those already baptized in another Christian denomination) are followed by sessions on the Sunday scripture and related Catholic beliefs, teachings, customs and traditions. Sponsors usually attend these sessions with their catechumen/candidate.

The Church suggests a period of about a year of formation for a catechumen. The amount of time Candidates are in formation varies depending on how much formation they received previously. Usually, Catechumens are initiated at the Easter Vigil; Candidates may be received into the Church when they are ready which can be at almost any time of the year.

Prior to the beginning of Lent, Catechumens meet with the Director and their sponsor and discern their readiness to move into the final period of preparation. If all agree they are ready, they celebrate the Rite of Election at the Cathedral and begin their final time of preparation in the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. This third period of formation, which coincides with the season of Lent, is more reflective and prayerful. They celebrate three Scrutiny Rites in the midst of the community and we call down the Spirit upon them and pray for healing and reconciliation for them and for ourselves.

We celebrate the Sacraments and full initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Service (after sundown on Holy Saturday—the evening before Easter Sunday). Although the fulfillment of the process began as an Inquirer, it is yet another beginning as a fully initiated disciple! A fourth stage of formation, Mystagogy, invites us to gather a few times during the Easter Season (the 50 days after Easter) to reflect on the Sacred Mysteries and on what more do we need to live as Catholic disciples of Christ.

For information, contact Diane Lawrence [email protected]. or the Ascension Parish Center 708-848-2703.