OCIA
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Becoming Catholic - Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
OCIA is a process by which adults are received into the Catholic Church. This journey includes periods for making inquiry and maturing but also the steps marking the catechumens’ progress as they pass to another level.
Please contact RE/Formation Office at 505-304-6205 or email us for more information.
OCIA Classes
Classes meet on Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, beginning September 5, 2024. Please call RE/Formation Office at 505-304-6205 or email us for more information or to set up an appointment to sign up.
OCIA Foundation
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process by which one explores faith and life in the Catholic tradition. The Order is modeled after the initiation process used in the first centuries of the early Church. It includes a combination of study, prayer, and participation in the liturgy and certain rites at Mass. Participants, known as catechumens, undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess their faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
How Long Does OCIA Take?
How long does it take for any relationship to develop? We all journey on different paths at different times. The Period of the Catechumenate, or period of instruction, can last for as long as several years or for a shorter time. It all depends on how the catechumen is growing in the faith. When a catechumen and the OCIA Team believe the individual is ready to make a full faith commitment to Jesus and the Catholic Church, a request is made and the Rite of Election celebrated. There are several, distinct periods of formation. Some occur during certain times in our church year. Others are ongoing and tailored to an individual's journey.
- Period of Evangelization and Pre-catechumenate
This period is also known as the Period of Inquiry. After consultation with an advisor, the "inquirer" may decide to seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or Candidates.- The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates
In both the Rite of Acceptance (non-baptized inquirers) and the Rite of Welcoming (validly-Christian baptized inquirers), the inquirer states his or her desire to become a member of the Catholic Church and the assembly affirms that desire, welcoming the individual into the catechumenate.- Rite of Election
The Rite of Election, held on the first Sunday of Lent, enrolls the names of "the elect" seeking the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the coming Easter Vigil, which is known as the Rite of Reception.What If I Am Already Baptized?
OCIA offers classes for men and women who are validly-baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics, into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
What If I Am Not Already Baptized?
OCIA offers classes for men and women into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
OCIA Team
The preparation of adults for the sacraments of Christian Initiation is the responsibility of the entire parish community. The OCIA team exercises this responsibility in different roles.
- Sponsors
Sponsors are companions to adult seekers as they walk the journey to initiation.- Catechists
Catechists lead and facilitate the OCIA class sessions.- Hospitality
Hospitality provides snacks and refreshments for the OCIA meetings and provide a source of support and fellowship for the candidates.If you feel called to enter OCIA, or join the OCIA team or need more information, please call RE/Formation Office at 505-304-6205 or email us for more information. You can sign up for OCIA online by clicking the button below: