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The Process for OCIA and Candidates
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
(For Those Who Are Seeking Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation)The Pre-Catechumenate - Inquiry
Prior to becoming a Catechumen, you'll receive a basic understanding of the Gospel and aspects of the Christian way of life, which include prayer, morals, and Catholic doctrine. For some, this a longer process of having questions answered. For others, this can be a relatively short time. If you decide you'd like to be baptized, you become a Catechumen through the Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, you stands before the parish community and affirm your desire to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church.The Catechumenate“The catechumenate is a lengthy period during which catechumens receive pastoral instruction and practice appropriate disciplines; by the held of these their spiritual frame of mind, already manifested by their entrance, is brought to maturity” (OCIA 75). The Catechumenate could last several years or be much shorter. It all depends on the person. Each person's entrance into the Church is unique to them. It's not about completing a program and getting it done. When you and the OCIA team working with you believe you are ready to make a commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election. The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors, and their families gather at the Cathedral. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book (kept by the parish) and they are called the Elect.Purification and Enlightenment
The period following the Catechumenate begins with the Rite of Election, in which the catechumens change their status to be members of the Elect that will receive the sacraments at the nearest Easter Vigil. This period between the Vigil and the end of the Catechumenate is “given to a more intense preparation of spirit and heart, which has the character of recollection rather than of catechesis, and is intended to purify hearts and minds by examination of conscience and penitence” (OCIA 139).Mystagogy
The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now you are fully initiated into the Catholic Church, but your formation doesn't end here. This period continues at least until Pentecost. During this period, the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church’s mission and outreach activities. For the duration of the Easter season, “the community together with the neophytes, by meditation on the Gospel, by participation in the Eucharist, and by the exercise of charity, makes progress in understanding the Paschal Mystery more deeply and carrying it over more and more into the practice of daily life” (OCIA 244).Candidates for Full Communion(For Those Who Are Already Baptized Seeking First Communion or Confirmation)Candidates for full communion are individuals who have already been validly baptized, but for whatever reason did not receive the other sacraments of initiation. This includes individuals who were baptized in a Catholic Church, but never received First Communion or Confirmation. It also includes individuals who were baptized in a Christian Church, but are now seeking to join the Catholic Church. Though different than Catechumens, Candidates will also to attend OCIA meetings to prepare for the sacraments. There is no predetermined length of time one will be a candidate. Each person's needs and preparation are determined individually. -
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afaurourladyoflourdescc.orgDirector of Youth Apostolate
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