Becoming Catholic
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
What Is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) was formerly called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It a process of welcoming new members into the Catholic Church.
OCIA is designed for people of all different backgrounds and circumstances. It is designed for unbaptized adults and unbaptized children over the age of reason (7 years old), those who were baptized in another Christian faith tradition, and those who were baptized Catholic but did not receive their First Communion and/or Confirmation. Take a look below to find out more about what the OCIA process might look like for you based on your current Catechetical journey!
Where Do I Fit In?
The process of OCIA looks a little bit different for everyone as it is heavily based on where you are currently at in your Catechetical journey (someone who has never been baptized will be at a different point in their journey than someone who has been baptized and received their First Communion). The two main categories people fall into is those who have not yet been baptized (called Catechumens) and those who have been baptized (called Candidates). Once our dedicated Formation Team knows where you are at in your Catechetical Journey, we will work with you to determine what the process of OCIA will look like for you moving forward!
Unbaptized Adult (Catechumen)
Periods of OCIA Info SheetUnbaptized Adults are those over the age of 18 who have not yet been Baptized and are seeking to receive all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
They begin their journey as "inquirers" in a period known as "Evangelization", where they explore thier own faith and hear the gospel message before entering into a formal and public relationship with the Catholic Church.
They then undergo the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate wherein they become "Catechumens". During the Catechumenate period, particpants are called to a deeper relationship with the Lord in prayer, are surrounded by the loveing support of the community and hear the Truth. It is a time of learning and conversion.
After this, the Catechumens participate in the Rite of Election. This is where they are "elected" by the bishop for initiation during the first week of Lent. The Catechumens then become the "Elect" and engage in period known as "Purification and Enlightenment". This period is marked by intense spiritual preparation leading up to the Sacraments of Initiation.
During the Easter Vigil Mass, the Elect receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
After receiving the Sacraments, the newly initated Catholics continue their journey in a period known as "Mystagogy". They are now called "Neophytes". They are reborn. AS with anyone who is young, they need loving support and guidance. This period provides that support.
Baptized Catholic Adult (Candidate)
Baptized Catholic Adults are those over the age of 18 who have been Baptized in the Catholic Church but did not receive catechesis after; they are seeking to receive the remaining one or two Sacraments of Initiation: Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
These Candidates are welcomed into the community life of the Parish during the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. They then engage in catechesis alongside the Catechumens.
Throughout the liturgical year, Candidates participate in the Liturgy of the Word alongside the Catechumens as well.
The Penitential Rite marks the Lenten purification of Candidates.
The Candidates are received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church (through the celebration of Eucharist and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil. Candidates who only need the Sacrament of Confirmation are Confirmed by the Archbishop at Pentacost.
Baptized Christian Adult (Candidate)
Baptized Christian Adults are those over the age of 18 who have been Baptized into a Christian faith tradition other than the Catholic Church and are seeking to receive the remaining two Sacraments of Initation: Eucharist and Confirmation.
These Candidates are welcomed into the community life of the Parish during the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. They then engage in catechesis alongside the Catechumens.
Throughout the liturgical year, Candidates participate in the Liturgy of the Word alongside the Catechumens as well.
The Penitential Rite marks the Lenten purification of Candidates.
The Candidates are received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church (through the celebration of Eucharist and Confirmation) when the Formation Team, Sponsor, and the Candidate decide that the Candidate is ready. Reception and Confirmation takes place at a Sunday Mass at St. Martin of Tours or at the Easter Vigil Mass.
Unbaptized Child (7-18 Years Old) (Catechumen)
Unbaptized Children are those under the age of 18 who have not yet been Baptized and are seeking to receive all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
While the child Catechumens follow a similar path to their adult counterparts, adjustments in catechesis and in the various Rites are made to correspond to their age level.
They receive all three of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil alongside their adult counterparts.
Baptized Christian Child (7-18 Years Old) (Candidate)
Baptized Christian Children are those under the age of 18 who have been Baptized into a Christian faith tradition other than the Catholic Church and are seeking to receive the remaining two Sacraments of Initation: Eucharist and Confirmation.
While the child Candidates follow a similar path to their adult counterparts, adjustments in catechesis and in the various Rites are made to correspond to their age level.
They are received into the Church after a Profession of Faith and receive Eucharist when the Formation Team, their parents, and the Candidate decide they are ready at a Sunday Mass. They prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation on a typical timeline with their peers.
Baptized Catholic Child (7-18 Years Old) (Candidate)
Baptized Catholic Children are those under the age of 18 who have been Baptized into the Catholic Church and are seeking to receive the remaining two Sacraments of Initation: Eucharist and Confirmation.
While the child Candidates follow a similar path to their adult counterparts, adjustments in catechesis and in the various Rites are made to correspond to their age level.
They receive Eucharist when the Formation Team, their parents, and the Candidate decide they are ready at a Sunday Mass. They prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation on a typical timeline with their peers.
What About Logistics?
The first step is to fill out the OCIA Inquirer Form. You can find this form using the "I'm Ready to Get Started!" button below. Once we have this form, a member of our Formation Team will reach out to set up a meeting with you to get to know you, your Catechetical journey up until this point, and where you want your journey to go from here! After that, we will get you started coming to our Formation Meetings. These meetings take place on Sunday mornings from 9am-10:15am followed by participation in the Mass. If you are unable to make these times, don't hesitate to still sign up, our Team wants to work with you! In addition to the Formation Meetings, there will also be various Rites, services, and events to attend throughout the year based on which category you fall into; don't worry, we will figure that out together!
Have Questions or Ready to Get Started?
Contact Our Director of Religious Education: Abby Wass
Phone: (414) 386-2613
Email: awass@stmoftours.org
