Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
Formerly RCIAFor adults today, the Church, after the Second Vatican Council, has restored the order of the Catechumenate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). It outlines steps for the formation and Christian initiation of adults and children over the age of 7 who have never been baptized in any faith (catechumens).
Persons baptized into another Christian church and now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are also welcomed to participate along with catechumens in the OCIA in the process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith. They bring to the process of preparation their prior experience of Christian life and prayer.
Adult preparation for Christian initiation has several aspects:
- Spiritual – candidates learn new ways of praying, and discover what God is saying to them now.
- Educational – candidates learn what the Catholic Church believes about God, about Jesus, about the Bible, and about what the Church teaches.
- Community – candidates are encouraged to be part of the parish and to attend parish events and celebrations.
- Service – In the Bible, Jesus directs us to “love your neighbor as yourself,” and lets us know that “whatever you do for the least of mine, you do for me.” Opportunities to participate and serve in the parish community are an essential element of preparation for Christian initiation.