OCIA - ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS

 
RCIA has a new name…..

The process by which adults formally join the Catholic Church has traditionally been referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a new translation of the process and its corresponding curriculum, now known as the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). 

The decision to change the name stems from the idea that the Catholic journey is continual. It is a lifelong commitment each catechumen or candidate is making to the Church. 

The word ‘order’ also reflects the progressive nature of this spiritual journey. OCIA is not a one-time event; it is a journey with distinct stages.   Another reason for the name change is to more accurately portray the fact that there are multiple rites integrated into the larger process of becoming Catholic. The process itself is not one “rite.”

​The Process of becoming Catholic – Joining the Catholic Church and Completing the Sacraments in the Church for Adults (Eucharist and Confirmation)

All are Welcome!
OCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.

OCIA is a Journey. OCIA formation begins in the early summer and continues through the year concluding at the Easter vigil. If you know someone who is thinking about joining the Church or hasn’t made their sacraments encourage them to call – sometimes all someone all someone needs is to be asked.
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If you would like to continue your faith journey or be part of the OCIA team as a catechist or to become a Sponsor, contact Fran Orefice:
Email - fran@weraresacredheart.org  
Phone - 201-843-1722 
To sign up for OCIA, please fill out our Registration Form.
Pray for all of those in the process and considering joining our church. ​

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