Order of Christian Initiation

of Adults (OCIA)

(previously called RCIA)

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults as a process in which participants "undergo…conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments…The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."

Likewise, the language used in the OCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs. Catechumens are those people who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Candidates are people who have been baptized in a Christian tradition but are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation.

All are Welcome!

OCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.

OCIA is a Journey

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps outlined below.

Pre-Catechumenate

This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.

Rite of Initiation

The first Rite in the OCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshiping community.

Catechumenate

The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.

Rite of Election

Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.

Sacraments of Initiation

At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the OCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Mystagogy

This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.

OCIA Team

People journeying through the OCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The OCIA team of sponsors help guide, support and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

OCIA at Sacred Heart Parish

If you are interested in becoming Catholic, or if you are an adult who wishes to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and/or Eucharist, please contact Mary Superata, Parish Receptionist, at 719-633-8711 or msuperata@sacredheartcos.org.

We will host OCIA Information Sessions at Sacred Heart Parish during the summer: Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 10:15 am; Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 6:30 pm; or Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 6:30 pm, held in the Sacred Heart Parish Center. Questions? Call Mary at 719-633-8711.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of prayerful discernment and community integration for those seeking to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. This process begins in September and continues into the Easter season. During this process, candidates (those who have been baptized) and catechumens (those who have not been baptized) will deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ by becoming integrated members of the Sacred Heart Parish community. Participants in OCIA will ask the questions on the heart and through their questions encounter Christ through learning and community.

OCIA sessions begin in the Fall and conclude during the Easter season and/ or determined by the participant's readiness. These sessions are on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm through 8:00 pm in the St. André House. On Sundays during the 9:00 am liturgy at Sacred Heart Church, candidates and catechumens are dismissed to break open the Word and discuss their Catholic Faith.

OCIA starts with The Good News Series, a 6 week series that focuses on fundamental Christian principles as we explore together the truly Good News revealed to us through Scripture. All are welcome to join us on Tuesday evenings, typically from August - October from 6:30-8:00 pm in the St. André House. This series is open to all who are seeking to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, or Confirmation through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Please call the Parish Office at 719-633-8711 for current schedule and registration. Cost is free. Light refreshments will be provided.

OCIA is a process, not a formal program, so if you are still discerning joining the Catholic Church, your participation in the OCIA process is one which that could, if you choose, extend longer than a year in order to allow for the appropriate time of prayerful discernment.

OCIA is for adults interested in becoming Catholic who:

have never been baptized
have been baptized in another mainstream Christian tradition
were baptized in the Catholic Church but never received Confirmation or Eucharist

If you wish to volunteer as a sponsor or become a member of the OCIA team, please contact Mary Superata, Parish Receptionist, at 719-633-8711 or msuperata@sacredheartcos.org.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for Children- OCIC
If you have a child, age 7-18, interested in becoming Catholic or completing their initiation into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and/or Eucharist, please contact our Director of Faith Formation, at formationdirector@sacredheartcos.org or 719-633-8711 x 105.

All children between the ages of 7 and 18 who have not been baptized will be guided through full initiation into the Catholic Church through the OCIC. Though the intent of the OCIC is to initiate children into the life of the Catholic Church, the process continues through Faith Formation programs for the years following their initiation. Learning and growing in the Catholic Faith is a lifelong process and one that requires a life dedicated to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

OCIC sessions begin in the Fall and conclude during the Easter season. These sessions are on Sunday mornings and begin during Faith Formation, 10:10-11:25 am. During the sessions, the children learn key topics on the Catholic Faith and discuss questions on their hearts.

Parents, if your child is age 7 or older and has not yet been baptized, please consider joining us beginning on Sundays in September in the Sacred Heart Parish Center for OCIC. This preparation process is open to all children, ages 7-18. For further information please contact the Faith Formation Office at 719-633-8711 x105.