The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), 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).
Who is OCIA for?
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 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).
How does OCIA work? 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.
OCIA is a journey through five main stages:
The Period of Inquiry (Length of Time Specific to the Individual)
The Period of Inquiry is a time to become acquainted with the Good News of salvation from Jesus Christ, our Savior. It is a time to look within one’s life story and see connections to our needs for the Gospel. This reflective process becomes a continuing, ongoing method during the entire journey. During this reflective process, one should ask questions, discern, and learn about a life of faith in Christ and the Catholic Church.
The Period of Catechumenate (Length of Time Specific to the Individual)
The Period of Catechumenate embodies the first stages of commitment leading to full membership. To enter into this phase, one must already have come to faith in Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior and sincerely desire to become members of the Catholic Church. During this period, the initial conversion is deepened and appropriated more deeply into the lives of the catechumens.
The Period of Purification & Enlightenment (6 weeks)
The Period of Purification & Enlightenment corresponds to the Catholic Church’s time as “Lent,” which is the six weeks of preparation before Easter. This period becomes a prayerful time for catechumens, who are now known as the “Elect,” as they prepare for the moment they enter into
Full Communion with the Catholic Church in the Sacraments of Initiation. This period is begun with the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, which is celebrated at the beginning of Lent. By this rite, they are accepted as candidates for the Bishop's sacraments, representing that this decision is not theirs alone.
Throughout Lent, special prayers are offered at Masses for the elect and candidates – these are called “scrutinies.” These prayers are for strengthening grace and virtue, purification from all past evil, and any bonds that hinder them from experiencing God’s love. Throughout this period, the elect is invited to join with the whole Church in a deeper practice of charity works and the practice of fasting.
During this period, Lent’s readings were chosen with the themes of continuing conversion in mind. Toward the end of the period, the Church continues the custom of “handing over” to the Elect the Creed (the summary of our faith) and the Lord’s Prayer (which represents its practice of continuing prayer after the command of Jesus, who taught us to pray).
The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (One night)
For catechumens, the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil, an extended night watch of prayer, singing, and hearing God’s Word in anticipation of Christ’s resurrection at Easter.
Through the waters of baptism, a person passes into the new life of grace and becomes a member of the Body of Christ. By anointing the person with the Sacred Chrism, one is sealed by the power of the Holy Spirit and is then called to full participation at the Eucharistic Table, which marks full membership in the Catholic Church.
For candidates the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at Pentecost, a celebration of the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to send us the Holy Spirit – “when the Kingdom announced by Christ was opened to those who believe in him” and when we are reminded that “in the humility of the flesh and in faith, [we] share in the communion of the Holy Trinity.” (CCC 732)
The Period of Mystagogy (50 days)
For the newly Baptized, the Period of Mystagogy lasts from Easter Sunday until the completion of the Easter Season at Pentecost. For newly Confirmed Catholics, the Period of Mystagogy lasts for 50 days after Pentecost.
At the end of mystagogy, one reaches the end of the Rites of Christian Initiation. Those who have just shared in the Sacraments of Initiation are now called “neophytes,” and during this period of joy, they reflect on what they have just gone through and look to the future as to how they can now share in the mission of Christ who came to bring salvation and life to the whole world. This time period reminds the whole church that life in Christ constantly calls us to grow and look for new ways to live the life of grace personally and together. This final period reminds the neophytes that the initiation process is just that: initiation, not graduation, which means a commitment to a lifelong journey of conversion.
For more information on the journey of OCIA, please contact Michelle Klash in the Formation Center Office at 817-295-5621 ext 122 or [email protected].