Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) & Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC)
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, or OCIA, formerly known as RCIA, is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church. This process is a return to the formation of the earliest members of the Church in the first and second centuries.
What is OCIA?
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults as a process in which participants “undergo…conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments…The OCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism.”
Likewise, the language used in the OCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs. Catechumens are those people who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Candidates are people who have been baptized in a Christian tradition but are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation.
All are Welcome!
OCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.
OCIA is a Journey!
Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC)
What is OCIC?
Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) is open to all children between the ages of 8-15 years, unbaptized or baptized. These classes are designed to educate children in the Catholic faith and prepare them for the sacraments to be received at the Easter Vigil. Whether your family is just entering the Church, returning to the practice of the Catholic faith, or delayed your child’s sacramental preparation, all are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Class Schedule:
For Children in our School, classes will be given from their third grade up. Children in our Family Catechesis Program meet on Sunday.
What ages participate in OCIC?
OCIC is a program for children between the ages of 8 or above who have not been baptized, baptized in the Catholic Church, but have not received First Communion and Confirmation, or who are baptized in another Christian denomination. It is also for older children, even high school students through age 15, who are baptized in the Catholic faith but were never prepared for Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation.
What is required of a child in OCIC?
The expectation is that the child and his or her parent(s) will attend Mass on a weekly basis. There must be a founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic.
The child is also expected to actively participate in the weekly OCIC classes. The parent(s) will meet with Director of Adult Formation during an initial scheduled interview. Another meeting will be arranged with all the parents during the fall/winter months. The date will be selected after all the initial interviews are over.
All children will need a Catholic godmother, godfather or sponsor who is an active member in the Catholic Church (either at Lourdes or another parish). The godparent(s) or sponsor must be at least 16 years of age, confirmed and in good standing in the Catholic faith and be present at the Easter Vigil. A letter of Good Standing will be required for the godparents and/or sponsor. If the family is unable to find a sponsor for the child, one will be provided by the parish. On the day of the Easter Vigil there will be a practice at 9:00 a.m. with godparents/sponsors.
Can more than one child from the same family be enrolled in OCIC?
Yes! In many cases when a family is joining the Church together, there is more than one child involved. It is highly encouraged to enroll all children at one time.
What is covered in OCIC classes?
The program provides a comprehensive review of the essentials and key teachings of the Catholic faith.
When will the children receive the sacraments?
All children who are ready will receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil the Saturday night before Easter Sunday.
Those who are unbaptized (Catechumens) will be baptized at the Easter Vigil, First Communion (according to age), and Confirmation (according to age). Those who have already been baptized either Catholic or in another Christian denomination (Candidates) enter the Catholic Church by making a profession of Faith and receive First Holy Communion, and Confirmation (according to age). If the child is baptized at the Easter Vigil, he or she will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession/Penance) after Easter. High School students in OCIC will also be confirmed at the Easter Vigil.
How do I enroll my child?
Parents may register their children by contacting Mrs. Lynette Kessinger, Director of Adult Formation. She may be emailed directly at lynettek@ourlourdes.org. If the student has already been baptized, parents are asked to provide a copy of their child’s baptismal certificate.
Children attending Lourdes will be prepared for the sacraments in one year since they also receive religious instructions several times a week and participate at Mass 1 time/week.
