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WHAT IS THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (OCIA, formerly RCIA)?
For those not previously baptized as Catholic, initiation means Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist (Communion), all of which are usually received the night before Easter (the Easter Vigil).
For those previously baptized as Catholic, but who have not completed their initiation, this means receiving Confirmation and First Eucharist (if not received already), at the Easter Vigil.
For those previously baptized in another Christian church, this means making a solemn profession of faith and receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.The OCIA process is divided into four major periods of time:
The Inquiry Period in our parish lasts one year, from August through to December of the following year. It is a time of introduction to the gospel of Jesus Christ, of introduction to the Catholic Church and deciding if one is ready to profess faith in Jesus Christ and begin the second period of the OCIA preparation to become a Catholic.
The Catechumenate Period from December (of the second year) until Lent of the second year. It begins with the Rite of Acceptance and is a time of more spiritual growth and learning about Christian beliefs and life as understood and practiced by Christians.
The Period of Purification and Enlightenment, from the beginning of Lent (of the second year) until Easter (of the second year). It begins with the Rite of Election, held at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (Sacramento). The Bishop acknowledges the readiness of the Catechumens to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. During this period there is more intense preparation and prayer.
The Period of Mystagogy, is the 50-day time following Easter to Pentecost. The newly initiated Christians continue to reflect on their spiritual journeys and learn more about living the new life they have begun.
WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE OCIA PROCESS?
Those who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of initiation, called Candidates or Catechumens. The OCIA team, a group of Catholic men and women who lead the weekly meetings and assist those preparing for initiation on their journeys. Other members of the parish, such as priests, deacons and other will occasionally lead the weekly meetings and discussions. Sponsors are spiritual companions for those preparing for initiation. Each person needs to have a sponsor by the Catechumenate Period. This person is a practicing Catholic chosen by the person or provided by the parish and attends the weekly meetings with person to be initiated. The sponsor may not be a spouse or parent of the adult. -
How To Get Started
In the OCIA Process… Inquirers enter an extended time of Formation in which they discern and welcome God’s Invitation to embrace life in the Catholic Christian Community. During this Process of Initiation a Person grows in knowledge of the teachings of the Church, explores the meaning of Scriptures for Daily life, develops friendships with members of the Parish Community, learns to Pray and Worship in the Catholic Tradition, and discovers the Joy of Serving others.
For anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, OCIA could be for you. The OCIA is a process of spiritual growth and learning leading up to initiation into the Catholic Church. It is also a great refresher for those Catholics who want to know more about their faith. Sessions take place on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Parish Center.If you are interested in joining in or learning more,
contact Joe Daczko (216-233-8293 or [email protected]),
Don Engelhart (330-903-0928 or [email protected])
Deacon Gerry Scopilliti (330-569-4795 or [email protected]), or
Peg Haney (330-274-2268 or [email protected]).
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“In the sacraments of Christian initiation
we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
We receive the Spirit of filial adoption and are part of
the entire people of God… ”General Introduction to Christian Initiation, no. 1
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Documents
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OCIA Team
Fr. Shawn Conoboy, Pastor
Deacon Gerry Scopilliti
Peg Haney, DRE
Don Engelhart
Joe Daczko
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The OCIA Process
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The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults describes a process in which men and women are guided and cared for as they awaken in faith and are gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life. The OCIA process is a series of carefully planned stages, marked by liturgical rites in the presence of the whole community, in which new Catholics embark on and join us in a continuing and deepening conversion into faith and discipleship. The OCIA takes the distinctive history and spiritual needs of each person into account, differentiating between the baptized and the unbaptized, the catechized and the uncatechized. The needs of mature, practicing Christians from other faith traditions are considered on an individual basis.
The full OCIA process consists of four periods of awakening, growth and formation marked by celebration of three major rites involving the whole parish community.
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The First PhaseThe Period of Inquiry
The period of Inquiry is a time for:-
asking about the Catholic faith
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building community within the group
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developing a trusting atmosphere
More importantly, it is a time for:- examining God's presence in our lives, past and present
- learning about prayer
- fostering conversion
- developing or improving our relationship with God
- getting to know the Catholic Church
We read the Sunday Gospel for the week and discuss what it means to us in our lives. We also discuss topics such as: What brought you to OCIA? What is your image of God? Prayer, Liturgy, and the Saints. Who is the Holy Spirit? Who is the Trinity? -
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The Second PhaseThe Catechumenate
This period of study is a time for:-
"Breaking Open the Word" or reading & discussing the Sunday Gospel
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Continuing to build community within the group
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Getting more involved in parish activities, getting to know the parish community
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Learning about the basic teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church
More importantly, it is a time for:-
Continuing to examine God's presence in our lives, past and present
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Developing prayer life, entering into the communal worship of the parish
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Fostering conversion
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Developing or improving our relationship with God
We continue to read the Sunday Gospel for the week and discuss what it means to us in our lives. We also discuss topics such as: Seasons of the Church, Who is Jesus, Mary & the Rosary, The Commandments, The Bible, Sin, Evil, Guilt, Morality, The Incarnation, The Catechism.
Rite of Election
The Rite of Election closes the Period of the Catechumenate. This rite normally coincides with the first Sunday of Lent. At this rite, upon the testimony of sponsors and catechists and the catechumens' affirmation of their intention to join the Church, the Church makes its "election" of these catechumens to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. In the presence of the bishop (or his delegate), they inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect at the cathedral as a pledge of fidelity. Now the catechumens are called "the elect' or "the illuminandi" ("those who will be enlightened"). -
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The Third PhaseThe Period of Purification& Enlightenment
They now begin a Period of Purification and Enlightenment — the final, intense preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. On the next five Sundays of Lent, three scrutinies (rites for self-searching and repentance) and the presentations of the Creed and Lord's Prayer take place. This period concludes with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
The Period of purification and enlightenment is a time for:
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repentance
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examining areas of sinfulness or weakness in our lives
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asking God's help in healing these areas
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prayer, fasting and almsgiving
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preparation for receiving the sacraments of initiation
We continue to read the Sunday Gospel and
discuss what it means to us in our lives.
We also learn about the seven sacraments:
Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation,
Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, Holy OrdersThe period of purification and enlightenment is a time of final preparation for initiation. The period is one of prayer, fasting and reflection for both catechumens, now known as the Elect, and candidates.
During this period celebrated on the 3rd, 4th & 5th Sundays of Lent, the Elect experience scrutinies and exorcisms, special rites which seal their break with evil in preparation for baptism. These rites are for self-searching and repentance and have, above all, a spiritual purpose. Scrutinies are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect and to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. They are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ. Just as our entire community is called to journey with the catechumens throughout the Lenten season, we recognize the need we all share for freedom from evil and its effects.
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Easter Fire!
The candidates and the Elect are initiated through the third and consummating rite of the OCIA process, the Sacraments of Initiation, at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. On that night, when light drives out darkness, joyful sounds fill the silence, and we proclaim and renew our resurrection hope, the Elect culminate their long journey to initiation in the waters of Baptism. Then, with the candidates, the newly baptized are sealed with the oil of Confirmation and share the Eucharist as full members of the Roman Catholic church.
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The Fourth PhaseThe Period of Mystagogia
The period of mystagogia is a time for:- becoming more involved
in the parish
- living out the gospel way of life
- living a sacramental life
We also discuss:
Evangelization, Stewardship, Lay MinistryWe read the Sunday Gospel during the Easter Season and discuss what it means to us in our lives. Mystagogia is the final stage of the OCIA process, but it is in turn the beginning of a pilgrimage of lifelong, continuous conversion in full communion with the Roman Catholic community of Christians.
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