OCIA (formerly called RCIA)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA, is a structured series of ceremonial steps and periods of learning, and the timing of these may vary for each individual. One may take as much time as he or she needs in the initiation process before becoming ready for full initiation through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.  Initiation within the Church is a journey of conversion that is gradual and ongoing and suited to individual needs. It is a process rather than an educational program and this process takes place within the community of the faithful, the local Church.

Parishes receive older children and adults into the Catholic Church through a process of education, faith sharing, and rituals known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

Before 2024, this process was called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA. While the name is a little bit different now, the process hasn't changed. It includes several stages marked by prayer, study, discussion, and a growing relationship with the community. Several rites or ceremonies take place along the way, at Sunday Mass and on other occasions. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) describes the OCIA 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 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."

Who is welcome to begin the OCIA Journey?

All people who are open to exploring their faith and learning more about the Catholic Church are welcome! The OCIA process is tailored to one's individual needs and applies to the following three groups:

• Unbaptized persons at least seven years old (catechumens).
• Baptized in a non-Catholic Christian community and wishing to become Catholic (candidates). The process will vary depending upon one's prior religious and spiritual experiences and knowledge of the Catholic faith.
• Baptized Catholics who didn't complete their initiation through Holy Communion and Confirmation and received little to no religious instruction in the Catholic faith. These candidates prepare to celebrate the sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Catholic adults who have received Baptism and Eucharist but not Confirmation can usually be prepared for Confirmation in a fairly short period of time (usually 8-10 weeks). Adults who are not yet baptized often need the most preparation, ranging from a few months to a few years.

Preparing Adults For Baptism

OCIA is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually in four stages. Children usually go through these stages with their peers in a parish program of religious education or in Catholic schools. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. For unbaptized adults, OCIA begins with inquiry (also called the precatechumenate) - a time for exploring one's journey of faith, relationship with God, understanding, and willingness to follow Jesus Christ. There is no time limit or other constraint: one may start inquiry any time of the year and take as much time as desired. When the inquirer is ready to move forward with a formal process of preparation for baptism and full initiation into the Catholic Church, the next stage, called the catechumenate, may begin. A public ceremony is held to receive those seeking baptism into the Order of Catechumens.

The Catechumenate is a time of formation and education in the faith with the help of the parish community. Catechumens explore more deeply what it means to be a Catholic and what changes they might need to make in their lives. They choose a sponsor who can accompany and assist them in their preparations. As the season of Lent begins (in winter), they are asked to publicly express their desire to join the faith community through the Sacraments of Initiation. The community responds by acknowledging their readiness. The next step is to undergo the Rite of Election at the cathedral church of the diocese (ours is in Boston).

The Elect continue their preparations for Christian initiation through a shorter and more intense stage called purification and enlightenment. It takes place throughout Lent and ends with initiation at the beginning of Easter (the Easter Vigil Mass). This is a time of reflection, prayer, and deepening conversion to the Christian life rather than catechetical instruction. A brief spiritual retreat is offered as final preparations are made for Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Following their initiation into the Church, the new Catholics begin the final stage of instruction, called mystagogy. It is modeled after the experience of the first disciples of Jesus immediately after he rose from the dead: a time of looking back on one's journey toward Baptism and deepening one's understanding and appreciation of what was experienced. There is also a looking ahead to further study of the faith and actively living the Christian call to love God and neighbor and persevere in trials on the way to heaven. Mystagogy concludes sometime during the 50 days of Easter or at the end of the season (Pentecost Sunday).

Taking the First Step

Whether you're sure that you want to join the Catholic Church or you just want to know more, the process of exploration is exciting and can lead to a deepening of personal faith and relationships with God, others, and self. No matter what has brought you here, our priests, teachers, and community members are happy to welcome you, share their faith with you, answer your questions, and help you to find what you're seeking. Give us a call, send us an e-mail, or just walk through the door! May the Lord bless you abundantly.