What is OCIA?
OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, is the new name for RCIA which is a Order of the Catholic Church whereby non-Catholics can be initiated in the Catholic religion.
What is the purpose of OCIA?
It is to share the traditions of the Catholic Faith with Non-Christians who have expressed a desire to become Catholics or for baptized Christians who wish to be accepted into full communion with the Church. This is a conversion. It is more than a change of clothing or a change of venue. It is more than learning, but a total change in attitude, values, priorities, and behavior. It is a journey of faith. In addition, there is a need for the prospects to have an understanding of the traditions of the Church, the ceremonies, beliefs, and a clear understanding of the place of Revelation (Scripture) in the religion.
Who are the participants in OCIA?
Inquirers/Catechumens :: Those who have not yet been baptized into the Christian Faith through a valid baptism and who have expressed a desire to join the Catholic Church.
Candidates :: Non-Catholics who have received a valid Christian baptism following the Trinitarian formula and who wish to join the Church and Catholics who have been baptized but have not received any other Sacraments and who wish to be in full communion with the Church.
Candidates :: Non-Catholics who have received a valid Christian baptism following the Trinitarian formula and who wish to join the Church and Catholics who have been baptized but have not received any other Sacraments and who wish to be in full communion with the Church.
The Catholic Community ::
The three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) are celebrated at the same time in front of the parish community.
OCIA stresses living the Church, not just knowledge of the Church. This involves living the faith within the Church community as well as instruction in the Faith.
OCIA makes the welcoming of new Christians a public community event.
Most of the ceremonies connected with OCIA take place during Mass, so the entire community is present and supportive.
What are the steps in the OCIA process?
PERIOD OF EVANGELIZATION AND PRECATECHUMENATE
The first period, which calls for inquiry on the part of an individual, is dedicated by the church to evangelization and “Precatechumenate”,, and ends with entrance into the order of catechumens.
PERIOD OF THE CATECHUMENATE
The second period, which begins with entrance into the order of catechumens, is taken up with catechesis and the rights associated with it, and ends on the day of election.
·PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT
The third period, a much shorter one, which normally coincides with the Lenten preparation for the Pascal Solemnities and Sacraments, is designated for purification and enlightenment and includes the rites belonging to this period..
·PERIOD OF MYSTAGOGY
The final period, which lasts for the whole of Easter Time, is given to “Mystagogy”, that is to gaining experience and spiritual fruits, and to spending time in the company of the faithful and forming stronger links with them.
When does OCIA begin?
This year’s classes will begin on June 18. If you are interested in enrolling or if you know someone you would like for us to contact, please call or text: Mike Coyle at 208-484-8677 or Fr. Dat Vu at 208-371-7998.
