Why an OCIA process?

Christians are made, not born. The development of faith takes time; it cannot be rushed. There is nothing automatic or instant in the Order of Christian Initiation. Candidates need time for their faith to ripen. Usually this means one to two years of faith formation, depending on the background and spiritual maturity of the candidate.

From the beginning of the Church, those who desired to become Christians spent time studying the Faith and learning to pray. When the instructor thought they were ready, they were received into the Church and received the rites of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist). The amount of time that it took for each person to be ready for that initiation varied, and ranged from 1-6 years.

Those who instructed others in the faith were either bishops, deacons, or lay people appointed by their bishop to teach. In the Book of Acts, St. Paul specifically recommended Priscilla, her husband Aquilla, and Lydia as teachers of the faith.

Because each person is unique, the amount of time it takes for someone to complete each period cannot be determined ahead of time. As such, the process at OLGC is year-round so that adults and children can begin the OCIA process when they are ready.

Who participates in OCIA?

• Non-Catholics who want to learn more about the Catholic faith
• Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism or Profession of Faith
• Those who were baptized Catholic but did not receive religious education, Confirmation, or First Eucharist
• Children and teens who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism or Profession of Faith (parental permission required)

Five Stages of the OCIA process

Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate - During this time participants are encouraged to ask questions and explore the basic tenets of the Catholic faith, and reflect upon these in light of their own life experiences.

The Catechumenate - Candidates study Scripture, doctrine, and traditions, and engage in community service. Candidates meet with the community of faith at Mass and prayer.

Purification and Enlightenment - During the Lenten season (pre-Easter), those preparing for Baptism reflect upon their own faith experiences in a more intense, prayerful way. At other times during the year, baptized candidates for OCIA reflect more deeply on the meaning of their baptism and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession).

Sacraments of Initiation - Candidates for baptism celebrate their initiation into the Church at Easter Vigil, the holiest night of the liturgical year. They are baptized, confirmed, and receive Eucharist. Candidates who have already been baptized celebrate their Rite of Reception at several other times throughout the year.

Mystagogia - During this final stage, candidates reflect upon their experience of being new Catholic Christians and find their place in the ordinary life of the Church.

Sponsors and Catechists

We are always in need of faith-filled people who will walk the faith journey with a candidate to serve as sponsors. You simply need to be who you already are as a Catholic person of faith.

We are also in need of those who would like to be catechists, supported by other catechists and good resource materials.

Sponsors and catechists need to be in Good Standing.  For more information, click here.

Do I have to commit to Catholicism to participate in OCIA? - No! We realize that many people are searching and need to learn more about the Church before they are ready to make a commitment. That is why the period of inquiry is so important. We also realize that Catholicism is not for everyone. We do not ask for a firm commitment until the beginning of Lent for the non-baptized.

I was baptized in a different (non-Catholic) church. Must I be re-baptized as a Catholic? - As long as your baptism is recognized by the Catholic Church, you will not need to be baptized again. You will make a Profession of Faith, and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.