Order of Christian Initiation-OCIA
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church. OCIA is for:
- Those who are not baptized.
- Those who are baptized in another Christian tradition (i.e., Protestant) and who seek to enter Full Communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
- Baptized Catholics who never had the opportunity to receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Those who seek to join the Catholic Church become members of the Catechumenate: an ongoing process that meets people where they are on their faith journey and gently initiates them into the life of the parish and the Catholic Church.
Through participation in RCIA, people journey toward the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) and by receiving these they become members of the Catholic Church. After an initial period of several weeks (known as "Inquiry") and a personal interview, non-baptized persons can become "Catechumens" through a public Rite of Acceptance. Similarly, baptized Christians may become "Candidates" in the Rite of Welcome. Catechumens and Candidates journey together each week to understand what it means to believe in Jesus and live the Catholic Faith. The Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the great Easter Vigil Service for those who have discerned the call from God and are ready and able to make the commitment.