Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
Are you interested in becoming Catholic? The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) prepares adults to become full members of the Catholic Church through a process of formation and spiritual growth. Our OCIA program generally begins in late September and continues through Easter. We usually meet every Sunday in the Parish Center at 9:00 am and finish around 10:15 am. The classes are free and anyone (Catholics as well!!) is invited to join us.
We are always looking for people to be sponsors and to help with the classes. People who like to share their faith journey with others are excellent candidates for membership on the team.
For more information contact:
Father Mark Stec
618‐514‐8673
frmark@holychildhoodchurch.com
Deacon Dan Cozzi
618‐566‐6165
What are the steps of OCIA?
OCIA is open to those who are not baptized and those who have been baptized but now wish to join in the full communion of the Catholic Church. Below are the various steps of the process:
Rite of Acceptance
The first step is the Rite of Acceptance. At this time, those who have been making an inquiry into the Catholic faith are presented to the community during Mass. They are presented by their sponsor who is making the journey with them. Those who have been baptized are called candidates, and those who are not baptized are catechumens. They are making a commitment to seriously continue the journey to baptism and full communion with the Catholic Church.
Catechumenate
After the presentation to the faith community, the group enters a process called the Catechumenate. It is during the Catechumenate that they will begin a more in depth study of Catholic beliefs and practices.
Rite of Sending
The Rite of Sending takes place during Mass on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday. The candidates and catechumens are again presented to the faith community. They sign the Book of the Elect and are given the community’s blessing to be presented to the bishop.
Rite of Election
Now it is off to the Cathedral to be presented and accepted by the bishop. This ceremony takes place at St. Peter's Cathedral in Belleville. During this ceremony, the Bishop will “receive” you in the procession as you walk forward into a new life with Christ. The Book of the Elect will be presented to the bishop, and he will approve your intent to continue your journey.
Purification and Enlightenment
Everyone now enters a phase of Purification and Enlightenment. During Lent, they will experience a process of reflection and spiritual renewal. The Elect take part in three Scrutinies celebrated on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent. At Mass, they are called forward and kneel while the priest blesses them and the community prays for them.
Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil is the climax of your journey to full communion with the Catholic Church. The Elect will receive the sacrament of Baptism, and all members will receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
Mystagogy
The new Catholics will now continue their journey with a phase called Mystagogy, where they will study more deeply what it means to be Catholic and become active members of the faith community.