The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (), or OCIA, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in many English-speaking countries, is a process developed by the

Catholic Church The Catholic Church (), also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the List of Christian denominations by number of members, largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptized Catholics Catholic Church by country, worldwid ...

for its catechumenate for prospective

converts Conversion or convert may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * ''The Convert'', a 2023 film produced by Jump Film & Television and Brouhaha Entertainment * "Conversion" (''Doctor Who'' audio), an episode of the audio drama ''Cyberman'' * ...

to the Catholic faith above the age of

infant baptism Infant baptism, also known as christening or paedobaptism, is a Christian sacramental practice of Baptism, baptizing infants and young children. Such practice is done in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, va ...

. Candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices. The basic process applies to adults and children who have reached catechetical age. In the United States, the name was changed from Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) to the OCIA in 2021 to reflect greater fidelity to the original Latin, although this change has yet to be officially approved by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Some Catholic movements, like the Polish Light-Life promote post-baptismal formation based on the OCIA. Similarly, the Knights of Columbus provides a free correspondence course under the Catholic Information Services (CIS) program. The ideal is for there to be an OCIA process available in every Roman Catholic

parish A parish is a territorial entity in many Christianity, Christian denominations, constituting a division within a diocese. A parish is under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of a priest#Christianity, priest, often termed a parish pries ...

. Those who want to join an OCIA group should aim to attend one in the parish where they live. For those who wish to join, the OCIA process is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation. There is no set timetable, and those who join the process are encouraged to go at their own pace and to take as much time as they need. US bishops have said that the process "should extend for at least one year for formation, instruction, and probation" for those who have had no previous experience with living a Christian life. However, "nothing ... can be settled a priori. The time spent in the catechumenate should be long enough—several years if necessary—for the conversion and faith of the catechumens to become strong." For those who have some experience leading a Christian life, the process should be much shorter, "according to the individual case." Those who enter the process are expected to begin attending

Mass Mass is an Intrinsic and extrinsic properties, intrinsic property of a physical body, body. It was traditionally believed to be related to the physical quantity, quantity of matter in a body, until the discovery of the atom and particle physi ...

on Sundays, participate in regular faith formation activities, and to become increasingly involved in the activities of their local parish. Priests "have the responsibility of attending to the pastoral and personal care of the catechumens." Throughout the process, they are assisted in this by deacons and

catechist Catechesis (; from Greek language, Greek: , "instruction by word of mouth", generally "instruction") is basic Christian religious education of children and adults, often from a catechism book. It started as education of Conversion to Christia ...

Outline of process

This outline is based upon the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) approved for use in the dioceses of the United States which includes additional rites for various circumstances and combinations. The numbers shown in the article headings and elsewhere relate to the relevant sections of the

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is the episcopal conference of the Catholic Church in the United States. Founded in 2001 after the merger of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) and United States Catholic C ...

approved rite.

''Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate'' aragraphs 36 - 40/h2>
"This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values." The church is offering here an invitation to initial conversion. There is no obligation involved during this period. "It is a time of evangelization: faithfully and constantly the living God is proclaimed and Jesus Christ who he has sent for the salvation of all." At this stage, seekers are known as Inquirers.

First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens aragraphs 41 - 47/h3>
Inquirers who wish continue on to the period of the catechumenate celebrate the rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. The rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens may take place throughout the year. "A sponsor accompanies any candidate seeking admission as a catechumen." Ideally, the sponsor is provided to the candidate by the parish. The duties of a sponsor are to journey with the catechumens through the process and provide a compelling witness in matters of faith. This is a very significant step, so much so that for catechumens (unbaptized): "One who dies during the Catechumenate receives a Christian burial." 7 The outline of this Rite is as follows aragraphs 48 - 68 ''Receiving the Candidates'' "The candidates and their sponsors, and a group of the faithful gather outside the church." Greeting Opening Dialogue * Candidates' First Acceptance of the
Gospel Gospel originally meant the Christianity, Christian message ("the gospel"), but in the second century Anno domino, AD the term (, from which the English word originated as a calque) came to be used also for the books in which the message w ...
* Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly * Signing of the Candidates with the
Cross A cross is a religious symbol consisting of two Intersection (set theory), intersecting Line (geometry), lines, usually perpendicular to each other. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally. A cross of oblique lines, in the shape of t ...
: – Signing of the Forehead – igning of the Other Senses- optional **– Concluding
Prayer File:Prayers-collage.png, 300px, alt=Collage of various religionists praying – Clickable Image, Collage of various religionists praying ''(Clickable image – use cursor to identify.)'' rect 0 0 1000 1000 Shinto festivalgoer praying in front ...
* Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God The mass then goes on as usually normal with: ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Instruction * Readings *
Homily A homily (from Greek ὁμιλία, ''homilía'') is a commentary that follows a reading of scripture, giving the "public explanation of a sacred doctrine" or text. The works of Origen and John Chrysostom (known as Paschal Homily) are considered ...
* resentation of a Bible">Bible.html" ;"title="resentation of a Bible">resentation of a Bible- optional * Intercessions for the Catechumens * Prayer over the Catechumens At this point a new portion is added * Dismissal of the Catechumens From this point until their baptisms, catechumens are dismissed after the liturgy of the word when they attend Mass. This is to make the process feel more like it was in the early church, when catechumens were dismissed before communion before their baptism, which might have taken years to prepare for, to make the communion more meaningful.

Rite of Welcoming the Candidates 11 - 415/h3>
Inquirers who have already been validly baptized in a non-Catholic ecclesial community, or baptized Catholic but not catechized as a child (have not received first Eucharist), are welcomed to this next stage via the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. They enter this rite known as "candidates", and they are known by this title from now on. Their rite of welcoming the candidates often does not take place at the same time as the catechumen's rite of acceptance. The outline of this rite is as follows 16 - 433 ''Receiving the Candidates'' * Salutation * Opening Dialogue * Candidates' Declaration Of Intent * Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly * Signing of the Candidates with the Cross: – Signing of the Forehead – igning of the Other Senses- optional ** – Concluding Prayer The Mass then continues as normal: ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Instruction * Readings * Homily * resentation of a Bible- optional * Profession of Faith * General Intercessions (At this point there is a special prayer over the candidates) * ismissal of the Assembly- if the Eucharist is not to be celebrated ''Liturgy of the Eucharist'' Candidates are sometimes dismissed during the Mass.

Combined Rite 05 - 506/h3>
Where there are both unbaptized and baptized inquirers in a parish there is the option of a combined rite at this stage. This rite is formally known as "The (Combined) Celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming Baptized but Previously Uncatechized Adults Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church". The outline of this rite is as follows 07 - 529 ''Receiving the Candidates'' * Greeting * Opening Dialogue with Candidates for the Catechumenate and with the Candidates for Post-baptismal
Catechesis Catechesis (; from Greek: , "instruction by word of mouth", generally "instruction") is basic Christian religious education of children and adults, often from a catechism book. It started as education of converts to Christianity, but as the ...
* Catechumens' First Acceptance of the Gospel * Candidates' Declaration of Intent * Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly * Signing of the Catechumens and of the Candidates with the Cross: – Signing of the Forehead of the Catechumens – igning of the Other Senses of the Catechumens- optional – Signing of the Forehead of the Candidates – igning of the Other Senses of the Candidates- optional ** – Concluding Prayer * Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Instruction * Readings * Homily * resentation of a Bible- optional * Intercessions * Prayer over the Catechumens and Candidates * Dismissal of the Catechumens ''Liturgy of the Eucharist'' These rites delineate the transition between the Period of Inquiry into the Period of the Catechumenate. The rites take place when the members of the local church are gathered together for the Eucharistic celebration.

''Period of the Catechumenate'' 5 - 80/h2>
A catechumen ''(from Latin catechumenus, Greek κατηχουμενος, instructed)'' is one receiving instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. It is for this reason that those who are already validly baptized in another Christian Faith are not known as catechumens, but rather candidates. The Catechumenate is an extended period during which the candidates are given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life. 5 This is achieved in four ways : * Suitable catechesis; solidly supported by celebrations of the Word. * The Catechumens learning to: – Turn more readily to God in prayer – To bear witness to the Faith – In all things to keep their hopes set on Christ – To follow supernatural inspiration in their deeds ** – To practice the love of neighbour, even at the cost of self-renunciation * Suitable liturgical rites, which purify the Catechumens little by little and strengthen them with God's blessing; including celebrations of the Word. * Learning to work actively with others to spread the Gospel. ''From the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults'' The period of the Catechumenate is a time for: * Continuing to build community within the group * Getting more involved in parish activities, getting to know the parish community * Learning about the basic teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church * Exploring important and foundational Scripture passages More importantly, it is a time for: * Continuing to examine God's presence in our lives, past and present * Developing prayer life, entering into the communal worship of the parish * Fostering conversion * Developing or improving our relationship with God Various rites pertain to this period of instruction for those who are unbaptized (catechumens): * Celebrations of the Word of God 1 - 89* Minor Exorcisms (not 0 - 94 * Blessings of the Catechumens 5 - 97*
Anointing Anointing is the ritual, ritual act of pouring aromatic oil over a person's head or entire body. By extension, the term is also applied to related acts of sprinkling, dousing, or smearing a person or object with any perfumed oil, milk, butter, ...
of the Catechumens 8 - 103* Presentations 04 - 105* Sending of the Catechumens for Election (a meeting with the Bishop of Catechumens from many Parishes throughout a Diocese) 06 - 117 An optional rite also pertains to this period for those who are baptized (candidates): * Rite of Sending the Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop and for the Call to Continuing Conversion 34 - 445 There is also a combined optional rite if there are both catechumens and candidates in a parish: * Parish Celebration for Sending Catechumens for Election and Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop 30 – 546 The conclusion of this period leads onto the ''Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names'' for those who are unbaptized and the ''Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion'' for those who are baptized. This is a very significant and important step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent at the local diocesan
cathedral A cathedral is a church (building), church that contains the of a bishop, thus serving as the central church of a diocese, Annual conferences within Methodism, conference, or episcopate. Churches with the function of "cathedral" are usually s ...
, led by the local
bishop A bishop is an ordained member of the clergy who is entrusted with a position of Episcopal polity, authority and oversight in a religious institution. In Christianity, bishops are normally responsible for the governance and administration of di ...
. All of the Catechumens and Candidates, their
Godparents Within Christianity, a godparent or sponsor is someone who bears witness to a child's baptism (christening) and later is willing to help in their catechesis, as well as their lifelong spiritual formation. In both religious and civil views, ...
(for Catechumens), and Sponsors (for Catechumens and Candidates) gather together on this day, which may involve hundreds of people. The Church formally ratifies the Catechumens' readiness for the
Sacraments A sacrament is a Christian rite which is recognized as being particularly important and significant. There are various views on the existence, number and meaning of such rites. Many Christians consider the sacraments to be a visible symbol of ...
of Initiation and the Candidates' readiness to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church. In turn the Catechumens – from now on known as the Elect – publicly acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates their desire to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.

Second Step: Election or Enrollment of Names 18 - 128/h3>
The outline of this Rite is as follows 29 - 137 ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Homily * Presentation of the Catechumens * Affirmation by the Godparents nd the Assembly* Invitation and Enrollment of Names * Act of Admission or Election * Intercessions for the Elect * Prayer over the Elect * Dismissal of the Elect ''Liturgy of the Eucharist'' This rite does not have to be a full Mass. In this case, there is no liturgy of the Eucharist, and thus no dismissal of the elect.

Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion 46 - 449/h3>
The outline of this rite is as follows 50 - 458 ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Homily * Presentation of the Candidates for Confirmation and Eucharist * Affirmation by the Sponsors nd the Assembly* Act of Recognition * General Intercessions * Prayer over the Candidates * ismissal of the Assembly– if the Eucharist is not to be celebrated ''Liturgy of the Eucharist''

Combined Rite 47 - 549/h3>
Where there are both catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (baptized) in a diocese there is the option of a combined rite at this stage. This rite is formally known as ''The (Combined) Celebration of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church''. The outline of this rite is as follows 50 - 561 ''Celebration of Election'' * Presentation of the Catechumens * Affirmation by the Godparents nd the Assembly* Invitation and Enrollment of Names * Act of Admission or Election ''Celebration of the Call to Continuing Conversion'' * Presentation of the Candidates * Affirmation by the Sponsors nd the Assembly* Act of Recognition * Intercessions for the Elect and the Candidates * Prayer over the Elect and the Candidates * Dismissal of the Elect ''Liturgy of the Eucharist''

''Period of Purification and Enlightenment'' 38 - 149/h2>
This period tends to correspond with
Lent Lent (, 'Fortieth') is the solemn Christianity, Christian religious moveable feast#Lent, observance in the liturgical year in preparation for Easter. It echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring Temptation of Christ, t ...
and is intended to be a period of increased discernment and coming closer to God. The aim of this period is to eliminate what is weak and sinful, and affirm what is holy. During this period the Elect undertake a number of Rites, including the Scrutinies and Presentations: The outlines of these rites are as follows: » First Scrutiny (3rd Sunday of Lent) 50 - 156 ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Readings *
Homily A homily (from Greek ὁμιλία, ''homilía'') is a commentary that follows a reading of scripture, giving the "public explanation of a sacred doctrine" or text. The works of Origen and John Chrysostom (known as Paschal Homily) are considered ...
* Invitation to Private
Prayer File:Prayers-collage.png, 300px, alt=Collage of various religionists praying – Clickable Image, Collage of various religionists praying ''(Clickable image – use cursor to identify.)'' rect 0 0 1000 1000 Shinto festivalgoer praying in front ...
* Intercessions for the Elect * Exorcism * Dismissal of the Elect ''Liturgy of the Eucharist'' » The Presentation of the Creed (3rd Week of Lent) 57 - 163 ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Readings * Homily * Presentation of the
Creed A creed, also known as a confession of faith, a symbol, or a statement of faith, is a statement of the shared beliefs of a community (often a religious community) which summarizes its core tenets. Many Christian denominations use three creeds ...
* Prayer over the Elect * Dismissal of the Elect ''Liturgy of the Eucharist'' » Second Scrutiny (4th Sunday of Lent) 64 - 170 ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Readings * Homily * Invitation to Private Prayer * Intercessions for the Elect * Exorcism * Dismissal of the Elect ''Liturgy of the Eucharist'' » Third Scrutiny (5th Sunday of Lent) 71 - 177 ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Readings * Homily * Invitation to Private Prayer * Intercessions for the Elect * Exorcism * Dismissal of the Elect ''Liturgy of the Eucharist'' » The Presentation of the Lord's Prayer (ideally the fifth Week of Lent) 78 - 184 ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Readings * Homily * Gospel (Presentation of the
Lord's Prayer The Lord's Prayer, also known by its incipit Our Father (, ), is a central Christian prayer attributed to Jesus. It contains petitions to God focused on God’s holiness, will, and kingdom, as well as human needs, with variations across manusc ...
) * Homily * Prayer over the Elect * Dismissal of the Elect ''Liturgy of the Eucharist'' » Preparation Rites on Holy Saturday 85 - 192 - Recitation of the Creed 93 - 196 - Ephphetha 97 - 199 - Choosing a Baptismal Name 00 - 202 - Concluding Rites 03 - 205 The Candidates meanwhile prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with an optional ''Penitential Rite Scrutiny'' 59 – 472 This takes place on the second Sunday of Lent.

The Easter Vigil

At the

Easter Vigil The Easter Vigil, also known as the Paschal Vigil, the Great Vigil of Easter, or Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil on the Holy Night of Easter, is a Christian liturgy, liturgy held in Christian worship#Sacramental tradition, traditional Christian ...

the celebration of the

sacraments A sacrament is a Christian rite which is recognized as being particularly important and significant. There are various views on the existence, number and meaning of such rites. Many Christians consider the sacraments to be a visible symbol of ...

of initiation takes place,

Baptism Baptism (from ) is a Christians, Christian sacrament of initiation almost invariably with the use of water. It may be performed by aspersion, sprinkling or affusion, pouring water on the head, or by immersion baptism, immersing in water eit ...

Confirmation In Christian denominations that practice infant baptism, confirmation is seen as the sealing of the covenant (religion), covenant created in baptism. Those being confirmed are known as confirmands. The ceremony typically involves laying on o ...

, and Holy Communion; according to the latest USCCB guidelines, this ceremony is to be reserved for Catechumens, so that no confusion will arise among the congregation about who is becoming a Christian (Catechumens) and who is merely being confirmed as a Catholic (Candidates). The guidelines also state that the formation process for Candidates—including its length—should be decided on a case-by-case basis and ideally conclude with a Confirmation at a regular Sunday Mass other than (and typically well before) Easter Vigil. At such a Mass, Candidates (having already been baptized) need only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist. At the Easter Vigil, the Elect celebrate all of the sacraments of initiation; they are thereafter called Neophytes and they are considered to be full members of the Christian faithful. The Rites used to confer these Sacraments are outlined below. At some college campuses that have spring breaks during Holy Week, initiation for both the baptized and the unbaptized is often done during the weeks after Easter, so more of the community can be present.

Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation 06 - 217/h3>
The ''Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation'' is the Rite undertaken by the Elect (unbaptized). The outline of this Rite is as follows 18 - 243 ''Liturgy of the Word'' ''Celebration of Baptism'' * Presentation of the Elect * Invitation to Prayer * Litany of the Saints * Blessing of the Baptismal Waters * Profession of Faith: - Renunciation of Sin
- Profession of the Catholic Faith by the Catechumens and Candidates * Baptism * Explanatory Rites: - nointing after Baptism- if Confirmation is separated from the Catechumen's Baptism - lothing with a Baptismal Garment- optional ** - Presentation of a Lighted Candle ''Celebration of Confirmation'' * Invitation * Laying on of Hands * Anointing with Chrism The confirmation can take place at the same time as the baptism, by anointing with the oil immediately after the pouring of the water. ''Renewal of Baptismal Promises (at the Easter Vigil)'' for the congregation * Invitation * Renewal of Baptismal Promises: - Renunciation of Sin - Profession of Faith * Sprinkling with Baptismal Water ''Liturgy of the Eucharist''

The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church 73 - 486/h3>
''The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church'' is the Rite undertaken by the Candidates (baptized). The outline of this Rite (within Mass) is as follows 87 - 498 ''Liturgy of the Word'' * Readings * Homily ''Celebration of Reception'' * Invitation * Profession of Faith * Act of Reception * onfirmation - omitted if the Candidate has already been Confirmed - Laying on of Hands - Anointing with Chrism * Celebrant's Sign of Welcome * General Intercessions * Sign of Peace ''Liturgy of the Eucharist''

The Combined Rite 62 - 565/h3>
Where there are both Elect (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized) in a Parish there is the option of a combined Rite at this stage. This Rite is formally known as ''The (Combined) Celebration at the Easter Vigil of the Sacraments of Initiation and of the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church''. The outline of this rite is as follows 66 - 594 ''Service of Light'' ''Liturgy of the Word'' ''Celebration of Baptism'' * Presentation of the Elect * Invitation to Prayer * Litany of the Saints * Prayer over the Water * Profession of Faith: - Renunciation of Sin - Profession of Faith * Baptism * Explanatory Rites - nointing after Baptism- if Confirmation is separated from the Catechumen's Baptism - lothing with a Baptismal Garment optional ** - Presentation of a Lighted Candle ''Renewal of Baptismal Promises'' * Invitation * Renewal of Baptismal Promises: - Renunciation of Sin - Profession of Faith * Sprinkling with Baptismal Water ''Celebration of Reception'' * Invitation * Profession by the Candidates * Act of reception ''Celebration of Confirmation'' * Invitation * Laying on of Hands * Anointing with Chrism ''Liturgy of the Eucharist''

References

External links

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

RCIA Network

OCIA Summary, USCCB website

TeamRCIA , Start and sustain the catechumenate

The Association for Catechumenal Ministry

The North American Forum on the Catechumenate preservation

{{Authority control Catholic theology and doctrine Catholic liturgy * *

Outline of process

The Easter Vigil

See also

References

Further reading

External links