O.C.I.A., Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is primarily a journey of faith. It is focused on conversion, whereby the Catechumens or Candidates enter into an extended period of formation and conversion through prayer and reflection on the Gospels. It is also a communal journey in which the church community ritually celebrates conversion at various points during the journey.
The O.C.I.A. is not a program but a sacramental process in which the catechumen receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The catechumen is fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Candidates are men and women who are baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics. The candidate will receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist bringing them into full communion with the Catholic Church. Also receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist is the Baptized but uncatechized adults and children of catechetical age (Catholic or Non-Catholic.)
Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands of men and women are received into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new members through the O.C.I.A. and at the Easter Vigil liturgy.
Anyone who is seriously thinking about becoming a Roman Catholic-Christian or who would simply like get more information can call the Parish Office: 784-4879
ask for Joyce
The O.C.I A. is addressed to the following groups:
The O.C.I.A. contains four main periods
The O.C.I.A. contains 3 major Rites