Becoming Catholic - Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which adults or youth (those between the ages of 7 to 18) are fully initiated into the OLA Faith Community through the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. 

This process of preparation usually lasts at least one year.  There are four periods in this process:

• Period of Inquiry – This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.
• Period of the Catechumenate – This is the time, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens’ faith and conversion to God; celebration of the word and prayers are meant to assist the process.
• Period of Purification and Enlightenment – This is the time immediately preceding the elects’ initiation, usually the Lenten season preceding the celebration of this initiation at the Easter Vigil; it is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion, marked by celebration of the scrutinies and presentations.
• Period of Mystagogy – This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of pertinent instruction and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration.

This process accommodates those who are not fully initiated into the Catholic faith to help them in their journey of conversion.  Adults who are baptized Christians and who wish to be received into the Catholic Church also participate in this process.  In addition, those who were baptized Catholic but never received any further instruction in their faith or any further sacraments may prepare to complete their initiation through the reception of the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion through this process.

Please contact the Deacon Paul Friedrich at (916) 481-5115 or deaconpaul@olaparish.net. for more information.