OCIA- Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Do you have adult family members, children (between the ages of 9 and 16), or friends of a different faith who have not been baptized or would like to know more about the Catholic Faith?
If so they are welcome to attend OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) and RCIA Adapted for Children (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Adapted for Children). This invitation is an opportunity that allows adults and children to inquire about the Church and ask questions or clarify what they may have heard. It is followed by a period that provides fundamental information of the Church: Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, Prayer and Community. Please contact the office if you have an interest.
If so they are welcome to attend OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) and RCIA Adapted for Children (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Adapted for Children). This invitation is an opportunity that allows adults and children to inquire about the Church and ask questions or clarify what they may have heard. It is followed by a period that provides fundamental information of the Church: Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, Prayer and Community. Please contact the office if you have an interest.
A Call for Sponsors
The OCIA ministry is a process by which adults seek to become Catholic by journeying towards the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
A vital part of this ministry is YOU—the community—because you pray for and encourage these adults. One special way you can be involved is to consider being a sponsor: a calling from God to accompany an adult seeking what you already have. It has nothing to do with “worthiness” or “being an expert on Catholicism”: it is ordinary people expressing the extraordinary presence of God in their lives through faith, actions, prayers, and a willingness to support someone else.
For more information contact: Jan Carnahan at Faith Formation Office 425-5617
The OCIA ministry is a process by which adults seek to become Catholic by journeying towards the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
A vital part of this ministry is YOU—the community—because you pray for and encourage these adults. One special way you can be involved is to consider being a sponsor: a calling from God to accompany an adult seeking what you already have. It has nothing to do with “worthiness” or “being an expert on Catholicism”: it is ordinary people expressing the extraordinary presence of God in their lives through faith, actions, prayers, and a willingness to support someone else.
For more information contact: Jan Carnahan at Faith Formation Office 425-5617
The Rite of Christian Initiation
The Historical Roots:
Often called “the catechumenate,” the RCIA (formation of adults) or RCIC (formation of children) is a
process of faith development and catechetical instruction which culminates full membership in the Christian Roman Catholic Community - the reception of the “Sacraments of Initiation”: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This journey of faith is similar to the one people made when joining the early Church
communities. Today’s revised process, promulgated in 1972, calls on the entire parish community for involvement and prayerful support.
Inquiry and Its Rite:
During the first stage in the faith journey, inquirers begin to form relationships with one another and with
their Catechists. Sessions are informal, with life stories shared and curiosities about “things Catholic” answered. When a decision to continue in the process is made, inquirers obtain sponsors or godparents to mentor them along the way. Then, the Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens is celebrated within the community’s Sunday Mass.
Catechumenate and Its Rites:
With the Rite of Acceptance, those who have not been baptized officially become Catechumens, while those who are baptized become Candidates. Now they learn specifics about the Catholic faith,
specially the sacraments. Sessions become more instructional, with an emphasis on breaking open the Word of God in the Sunday readings. Several optional rites may be celebrated during this period which precedes the Season of Lent.
The Historical Roots:
Often called “the catechumenate,” the RCIA (formation of adults) or RCIC (formation of children) is a
process of faith development and catechetical instruction which culminates full membership in the Christian Roman Catholic Community - the reception of the “Sacraments of Initiation”: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This journey of faith is similar to the one people made when joining the early Church
communities. Today’s revised process, promulgated in 1972, calls on the entire parish community for involvement and prayerful support.
Inquiry and Its Rite:
During the first stage in the faith journey, inquirers begin to form relationships with one another and with
their Catechists. Sessions are informal, with life stories shared and curiosities about “things Catholic” answered. When a decision to continue in the process is made, inquirers obtain sponsors or godparents to mentor them along the way. Then, the Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens is celebrated within the community’s Sunday Mass.
Catechumenate and Its Rites:
With the Rite of Acceptance, those who have not been baptized officially become Catechumens, while those who are baptized become Candidates. Now they learn specifics about the Catholic faith,
specially the sacraments. Sessions become more instructional, with an emphasis on breaking open the Word of God in the Sunday readings. Several optional rites may be celebrated during this period which precedes the Season of Lent.
PRAYER FOR THE RCIA
O God, we thank you for implanting the gift of faith in human hearts.
We thank you for sending Jesus your son, as the fullness of your love.
May his life and mission lead us to share in your divine life.
We ask you to bless in a special way all inquirers, catechumens, and candidates, who have generously responded to the invitation of Jesus:
"Come follow me.”
Help them to persevere in their journey of faith despite any difficulties.
Bless all those who minister through the RCIA process so that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they may lead others to a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Grant that all parishioners will take an active role in bringing new members into the Church. Call us all to a renewal of our faith, and inspire us all to be your light in the world.
Amen.
O God, we thank you for implanting the gift of faith in human hearts.
We thank you for sending Jesus your son, as the fullness of your love.
May his life and mission lead us to share in your divine life.
We ask you to bless in a special way all inquirers, catechumens, and candidates, who have generously responded to the invitation of Jesus:
"Come follow me.”
Help them to persevere in their journey of faith despite any difficulties.
Bless all those who minister through the RCIA process so that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they may lead others to a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Grant that all parishioners will take an active role in bringing new members into the Church. Call us all to a renewal of our faith, and inspire us all to be your light in the world.
Amen.
