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After registation, please contact the Director of Faith Formation to schedule an interview, at (817) 426-1101 or [email protected].

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a journey through distinct spiritual phases of increasing maturity whereby one prepares to commit themselves to Jesus Christ and His Church through seeking the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist / First Holy Communion).

 

OCIA Journey

• Any Unbaptized person seeking to follow Christ in His Church by way of making preparations for Christian discipleship through Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist/First Holy Communion. Such a person, after a period of inquiry into the faith and initial conversion to Christ is called a Catechumen.

• Any Baptized person from another Christian community seeking to become Catholic  through making preparations for Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Such a person, after a period of inquiry into the faith, is called a Candidate.

• Any Baptized Catholic looking to increase their devotion as a disciple of Jesus Christ through completing the other sacraments of initiation (Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion).

Catechesis for adults preparing for Confirmation follows the pattern recommended in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. (National Directory for Catechesis, USCCB 2005, p.122)

What should OCIA look like?

The rite of initiation is… a spiritual journey… that varies according to the many forms of God’s grace and the free cooperation of the individuals (RCIA, Introduction #5).

This journey includes not only the periods for making inquiry and for maturing, but also the steps marking… progress, as they pass… or ascend to the next level (RCIA, Introduction #6).
 

OCIA Periods and Steps

What is known as OCIA is based on, and is an application of, the Catechumenal Model. Due to how grace works on nature, these periods of maturation are requisite toward drawing one into a closer union with Christ.