There is no better way to describe the OCIA, a familiar process in our parishes, than by quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
§1229: “From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.”
§1233: “The Second Vatican Council restored for the Latin Church ‘the catechumenate for adults, comprising several distinct steps.’ The rites for these stages are to be found in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).”
While the initials OCIA actually stand for the liturgical celebrations which mark the steps of the catechumenate, common usage has led to the initials designating the whole process of the catechumenate but also, generally, the journey in faith taken by baptized Christians who seek to become Catholics or baptized Catholics who have never completed their initiation.
5-Week OCIA Virtual Study
Sessions take place on Mondays at noon via Zoom. These sessions are free and open to all. Please register here to receive the Zoom link and password for all sessions.
Monday, January 27
Session 1 – Foreword, General Instruction, OCIA 1-35 Introduction
Monday, February 3
Session 2 – OCIA 36-117 Part 1: Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate, Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, Period of the Catechumenate
Monday, February 10
Session 3 – OCIA 118-205 Part 1: Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names, Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Monday, February 17
Session 4 – OCIA 206-251 Part 1: The Sacraments of Initiation, Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy, Part 2: Children Who Have Reached Catechetical Age, Adults in Exceptional Circumstances, Persons in Danger of Death
Monday, February 24
Session 5 – OCIA 400-597 Part 2: Preparation of Uncatechized Adults for Confirmation and Eucharist, Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church, Appendix 1 Combined Rites, Appendix II Acclamations/Hymns/Songs, Appendix III National Statutes