The OCIA of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) 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.
For more information, please contact Jordan Holmes at (916) 481-5115 or ocia@olaparish.net.
Join us for OCIA Inquiry Sessions!
Are you interested, or do you know someone who is interested, in learning more about our rich Catholic faith and possibly becoming Catholic? Did you know that a person is brought into full communion with the Catholic Church through the reception of the three sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist? This occurs through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults - OCIA (formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - RCIA). The OCIA is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another faith, or those who have been baptized Catholic and have not completed the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.
If you are over the age of 16 and interested, inquiries will be held on the following Wednesdays: 8/28/24, 9/4/24, and 9/11/24. All sessions will be from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Affinito Hall, Meeting Room 3 (accessed via Cottage Way). You are welcome to join us at all three sessions and learn more! We will answer your questions and share the OCIA process. If you will be joining us, or if you have any questions, please contact Jordan Holmes via email at ocia@olaparish.net.
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