OCIA: The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (Formerly RCIA)
The US Bishops have issued a new document calling it "Order of Christian Initiation".
What's in a name...?
Why not "RCIA"? Well... that's a bit of a story....
In 1972, the Church promulgated the 1st Latin edition of the Ordo initiationis christianae adultorum (OICA); the first English translation came out in 1974. In 1986, the US Bishops gave us the National Statutes for the Catechumenate. The 1974 texts were retranslated and reorganized, and rites were added for baptized candidates. This gave us the 1988 text that we are using today: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
This text and the National Statutes are in the process of being revised and retranslated. When the new ritual book becomes available, the title (translated from the Latin) will be Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)... more closely matching the Latin original, and better reflecting that an "Order" is a collection of "Rites."
Do you have questions about the Catholic Church, her teachings, or practices? Are you or someone you know considering becoming Catholic? Are you an adult Catholic looking to renew your faith commitment?
The first few weeks of OCIA involve a questioning phase called inquiry. In this phase we present a basic survey of the Catholic Faith & invite dialogue, with no immediate commitment.
Come check us out!
OCIA
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older children are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. Children who were not baptized as infants are also initiated through an adapted process of this rite.
Are you interested in becoming Catholic?
Do you want to learn more about the Catholic Faith?
Are you an adult Catholic but haven't received the Sacrament of Eucharist or Confirmation?
We welcome you!
"The OCIA, which stands for The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The OCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism.
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the faith formation of those desiring to enter into full communion in the Catholic faith through:
This experience is a journey in our faith and relationship with God. Through Scripture, study of the Church's teaching, prayer and discussion, those participating will grow in an understanding of the Catholic faith.
During this time the Parish community prays for them and shares this journey through example and coming together as a community of faith to celebrate the Sunday liturgy.
The Saturday before Easter, those catechumens (being baptized) and the candidates (profession of faith and those already Catholic and being Confirmed) will joyfully enter into full communion through the waters of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The journey does not end here. Our faith journey never ends. We need to continually grow in our relationship with God and an understanding of our faith. Our Baptism calls us into a life with Christ. We are to be His light to the world and instruments of His peace.
If you know of anyone who desires to enter into our Catholic Faith and would like to know more about the OCIA process or if you are already a Catholic and wish to learn more about your faith. Please contact the parish office at 329-1607.
Do you want to learn more about the Catholic Faith?
Are you an adult Catholic but haven't received the Sacrament of Eucharist or Confirmation?
We welcome you!
"The OCIA, which stands for The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The OCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism.
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the faith formation of those desiring to enter into full communion in the Catholic faith through:
- The Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
- Profession of Faith (anyone who has been baptized and desires to enter the Catholic faith
- Those who are Catholic and have not received Confirmation and Eucharist
This experience is a journey in our faith and relationship with God. Through Scripture, study of the Church's teaching, prayer and discussion, those participating will grow in an understanding of the Catholic faith.
During this time the Parish community prays for them and shares this journey through example and coming together as a community of faith to celebrate the Sunday liturgy.
The Saturday before Easter, those catechumens (being baptized) and the candidates (profession of faith and those already Catholic and being Confirmed) will joyfully enter into full communion through the waters of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The journey does not end here. Our faith journey never ends. We need to continually grow in our relationship with God and an understanding of our faith. Our Baptism calls us into a life with Christ. We are to be His light to the world and instruments of His peace.
If you know of anyone who desires to enter into our Catholic Faith and would like to know more about the OCIA process or if you are already a Catholic and wish to learn more about your faith. Please contact the parish office at 329-1607.