The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly RCIA, is the formation process in which adults not yet baptized become full, active, participating members of the Catholic Church. The process is also for those who are baptized in another Christian church and who would like the opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith. It is also open for Catholics who want to continue and deepen their faith journey. Through this process, one is given the opportunity to develop a fuller understanding of the Catholic faith, fellowship with other Catholics, and receive formation in Scripture and prayer.

This one-year catechetical process, which is very similar to the process for adults, is designed for children at their level and leads to the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) for any child over the age of 7 who has not yet been baptized. Children baptized in another Christian church are prepared through catechesis to make a Profession of Faith and to celebrate Confirmation and Eucharist. In both cases, the children are placed in a catechetical session that meets on Tuesdays from 5:30 PM–6:30 PM. The celebration of the sacraments takes place at the Easter Vigil.

**There is no obligation to move forward after the designated time frame for each period; one may remain in any period for as long as one wishes. These are important steps that should be prayerfully and carefully discerned. Please take advantage of the Evangelization Team staff, priests, and deacons, who are available to help guide you through this time of reflection. Each step represents a deeper growth in knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, your own life, God’s will for your life, and your relationship with Christ.

FIRST STEP: PERIOD OF INQUIRY

During this time, Inquirers explore the idea of becoming Catholic. They raise questions about the Catholic faith and life, and connect their own lives to God's will for them.

How Long? The Period of Inquiry is offered year round and usually lasts from 6 weeks to a few months or more, whatever is needed for each individual Inquirer.

SECOND STEP: CATECHUMENATE (TIME OF LEARNING)

Some Inquirers decide to commit themselves and continue the initiation journey. Inquirers who have not been baptized enter through a ceremony called the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. They publicly declare their faith, and the Church symbolically claims them for Christ by signing them with the cross. They are now called Catechumens (which means "one who is learning"). Those who are already baptized Christians seeking to become Catholic enter the Rite of Welcome and are called Candidates for Full Communion. From this point, a sponsor is given to each Catechumen and Candidate who supports him/her on the journey. Adults involved in OCIA participate each Sunday at Mass, and are blessed and dismissed after the homily to reflect on the Scripture readings they have heard. Following Mass, they have catechesis on the teachings of the Church as passed down to us from the Apostles. These sessions are open to all interested adults.

How Long? The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states that the catechumenate ordinarily lasts from at least the Easter Time of one year until the beginning of Easter Time the following year. Preparation for candidates may vary according to each person’s circumstances.

THIRD STEP: PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT

During the season of Lent, Candidates and Catechumens take this opportunity by means of prayer to reflect deeply on their lives, the effects of personal sin, and ways to grow in personal holiness. With the help of sponsors and the OCIA team, Catechumens and Candidates discern their readiness for celebrating the sacraments. Catechumens are called to the Rite of Election, and are now members of “The Elect.” Candidates celebrate the Rite of the Call to Continuing Conversion, and later the sacrament of Reconciliation.

How Long? This period is a time of intense prayer lasting six weeks, coinciding with the season of Lent.

FOURTH STEP: INITIATION AND MYSTAGOGIA

The Easter Vigil on the night of Holy Saturday is the primary celebration of the Lord's resurrection and is the occasion for the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist with the Elect and Candidates. The Elect celebrate the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). The newly initiated are called Neophytes as they are the "new plants" in the faith. At the same time, Candidates are brought into full communion through profession of faith, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

The period of Mystagogia is the time for the "unfolding of the mysteries" of the sacraments just celebrated. Neophytes participate fully in the Mass and seek a means of fellowship or service in the parish community.

How Long? The new Catholics continue to meet weekly during the Easter Season. The journey of faith lasts a lifetime in ongoing Mystagogia.

If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, you are welcome to attend our OCIA General Sessions on Tuesdays in the St. Theresa Room from 7:00 PM–8:30 PM. Attend our Tuesday night Inquiry Session at 6:30 PM in the St. Theresa Room.

For more information, contact Sister Barbara Sledziewska at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 972-778-0326.

“I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins” (Nicene Creed). Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible mark that consecrates the person for Christian worship and unites the person to Christ. Given the special nature of Baptism, it cannot be repeated. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1272) A baptized non-Catholic would attend all steps of Christian initiation appropriate for baptized candidates.

At All Saints, the sacrament of Confirmation is offered to those in eighth grade or older. In this case, you would participate in a special interview process with the OCIA Coordinator in order to assess your faith formation. Accordingly, you would begin the steps appropriate to your faith formation.

At All Saints, the sacrament of Confirmation is offered to students in eighth grade or older. Students will participate in an interview to help assess the faith formation they have received over the years. Based on their needs and desires, they will be placed in an appropriate catechetical session. In addition to sacrament preparation classes, students are encouraged to attend Illuminate on Sunday evenings. This provides a wonderful opportunity for young teens to grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith and to become more involved in the parish community.