Centuries of Catholic Faith

OCIA generally refers to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly known as RCIA). It is the spiritual journey and process by which adults are introduced to the Catholic faith and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion). 

The program is designed for three main groups of people: 

• The Unbaptized: Adults who have never been baptized and wish to join the Catholic Church.
• Other Christians: Those who were baptized in another Christian denomination but wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Uncatechized Catholics: Adults who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received First Communion or Confirmation.

The Stages of the Journey

OCIA is not just a standard classroom program, but a continuous journey of discipleship divided into four key stages: 

1. Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate): A time for asking questions, exploring the faith, and getting to know the local parish community.
2. Catechumenate: A period of formal study of the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, accompanied by prayer and Scripture reflection.
3. Purification and Enlightenment: Usually taking place during the season of Lent, this is an intense period of spiritual reflection and preparation for the sacraments.
4. Mystagogy: The period following the reception of the sacraments (usually at the Easter Vigil) where the newly initiated delve deeper into the mysteries of the faith and integrate into the parish community. 

For more information, please call Linda Monistere at 985-651-1072 or email at [email protected]