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What Happens in OCIA
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How does someone become Catholic?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process for learning about who Jesus Christ is and to consider following Him intentionally in the context of His Church. The OCIA is a period of preparation extending over the course of a year or more. The process is appropriate for adults who have not yet been baptized, for those who were baptized in another faith tradition, and for those who were baptized Catholic but not raised within the Catholic faith. OCIA meets weekly throughout the year at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Student Center.
What happens in OCIA?
At its heart, the OCIA formation experience is about
following Jesus and learning how to live as His disciple. In general, the OCIA experience includes the following steps. Alternative meeting times may be added to the schedule if the need arises.
Period of Pre-Catechumenate
This is a time of inquiry. There are weekly meetings to ask questions, get acquainted with who Jesus could be in your life, hear the story of salvation and learn the most basic traditions of the Catholic Church.
Period of the Catechumenate
This period is an apprenticeship in the faith of the community. It is a time for deeper formation in how to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, how the teachings of our faith help us grow and participation in the Mass. We continue to meet weekly, as well as attend Mass together on Sunday. During the liturgy, we leave the assembly to meet as a group to reflect on the scripture readings.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This is a time for healing and grace, a time for interior reflection on our relationship with God and others. This period coincides with the season of Lent and culminates with the decision to become Catholic. We continue to meet weekly as well as at Sunday Masses.
Easter Vigil
At the Easter Vigil Mass, we celebrate the Rite of Initiation, which includes Baptism (for those not yet baptized), the profession of faith for those previously baptized, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Period of Mystagogy
This is a time to explore and appreciate the mystery of Baptism and deepen one's grasp of the life, death and risen presence of Jesus Christ among us. Mystagogy is a period of discernment about how to live out the meaning of the rituals just celebrated at the Easter Vigil. Now that you have received this "initiation sacraments" and been formally initiatedd into His Church, how is He calling you to bring His light, love and mercy to the rest of the world? God put you here at this time and for a purpose. What is it? We are here to help you begin that part of your journey as His disciple and continue being feed and nourished by the Sacraments and other believers.