Adult Faith Formation

Are you an Adult who wants to become a Catholic?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) is a process for those who would like to learn more about the Catholic faith and prepare to enter the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation. Read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

OCIA RegistrationForm

Adult Confirmation Registration Form         

The Order (formerly the “Rite”) of Christian Initiation Of Adults  

The Parish’s Christian
Initiation Committee:

Deacon Tyrone, TJ Durocher, Joanne Riley, Paula Mui, Dr. Fischer

The Catholic Church is awaiting Vatican promulgation of a new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. (OCIA). There is no set timetable, and those who join the process are encouraged to go at their own pace and to take as much time as they need. Those who enter the process are expected to begin attending Mass on Sundays, participate in regular faith formation activities, and to become increasingly involved in the activities of their local parish. Throughout the process, those interested are assisted in this by priests, deacons and catechists.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) includes additional rites for various circumstances and combinations described below based on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate 

[Paragraphs 36 – 40]
“This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values.”[15] The church is offering here an invitation to initial conversion. There is no obligation involved during this period. “It is a time of evangelization: faithfully and constantly the living God is proclaimed and Jesus Christ who he has sent for the salvation of all. At this stage, seekers are known as Inquirers.

First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens [Paragraphs 41 – 47]
Inquirers who wish continue on to the period of the Catechumenate celebrate the rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.

The rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens may take place when a sponsor accompanies any candidate seeking admission as a catechumen. Ideally, the sponsor is provided to the candidate by the parish. The duties of a sponsor are to journey with the catechumens through the process and provide a compelling witness in matters of faith.

The outline of this Rite is as follows [Paragraphs 48 – 68]: Receiving the Candidates

“The candidates and their sponsors, and a group of the faithful gather outside the church.”[19]

Greeting
Opening Dialogue
Candidates’ First Acceptance of the Gospel
Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly
Signing of the Candidates with the Cross:
– Signing of the Forehead
– [Signing of the Other Senses] – optional
– Concluding Prayer
Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God
The mass then goes on as usually normal with: Liturgy of the Word

Instruction
Readings
Homily
[Presentation of a Bible] – optional
Intercessions for the Catechumens
Prayer over the Catechumens

Dismissal of the Catechumens

From this point until their baptisms, catechumens are dismissed after the liturgy of the word when they attend Mass.

Rite of Welcoming the Candidates [411 – 415]
Inquirers (Inquirers videos) who have already been validly baptized in a non-Catholic ecclesial community, or baptized Catholic but not catechized as a child (have not received first Eucharist), are welcomed to this next stage via the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. They enter this rite known as “candidates”, and they are known by this title from now on. Their rite of welcoming the candidates often does not take place at the same time as the catechumen’s rite of acceptance.

The outline of this rite is as follows [416 – 433]:

Receiving the Candidates

Salutation
Opening Dialogue
Candidates’ Declaration Of Intent
Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly
Signing of the Candidates with the Cross:
– Signing of the Forehead
– [Signing of the Other Senses] – optional
– Concluding Prayer
The Mass then continues as normal: Liturgy of the Word

Instruction
Readings
Homily
[Presentation of a Bible] – optional
Profession of Faith
General Intercessions

[Dismissal of the Assembly – if the Eucharist is not to be celebrated]
Liturgy of the Eucharist

Candidates are sometimes dismissed during the Mass.

Combined Rite [505 – 506]
Where there are both unbaptized and baptized inquirers in a parish there is the option of a combined rite at this stage. This rite is formally known as “The (Combined) Celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming Baptized but Previously Un-catechized Adults Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church”.

The outline of this rite is as follows [507 – 529]:

Receiving the Candidates

Greeting
Opening Dialogue with Candidates for the Catechumenate and with the Candidates for Post-baptismal Catechesis
Catechumens’ First Acceptance of the Gospel
Candidates’ Declaration of Intent
Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly
Signing of the Catechumens and of the Candidates with the Cross:
– Signing of the Forehead of the Catechumens
– [Signing of the Other Senses of the Catechumens] – optional
– Signing of the Forehead of the Candidates
– [Signing of the Other Senses of the Candidates] – optional
– Concluding Prayer
Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God
Liturgy of the Word

Instruction
Readings
Homily
[Presentation of a Bible] – optional
Intercessions
Prayer over the Catechumens and Candidates
Dismissal of the Catechumens
Liturgy of the Eucharist

These rites delineate the transition between the Period of Inquiry into the Period of the Catechumenate. The rites take place when the members of the local church are gathered together for the Eucharistic celebration.

Period of the Catechumenate [75 – 80]
A catechumen (from Latin catechumenus, Greek κατηχουμενος, instructed) is one receiving instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. It is for this reason that those who are already validly baptized in another Christian Faith are not known as catechumens, but rather candidates.

The Catechumenate is a period of time during which the candidates are given suitable guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life.

This is achieved in four ways:

Suitable catechesis; supported by celebrations of the Word.
The Catechumens learning to:
– Turn more readily to God in prayer
– To bear witness to the Faith
– In all things to keep their hopes set on Christ
– To practice the love of neighbour, even at the cost of self-renunciation
Suitable liturgical rites, which purify the Catechumens little by little and strengthen them with God’s blessing; including celebrations of the Word.
Learning to work actively with others to spread the Gospel.
From the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

The period of the Catechumenate is a time for:

Getting more involved in parish activities, getting to know the parish community
Learning about the basic teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church
Exploring important and foundational Scripture passages
More importantly, it is a time for:

Continuing to examine God’s presence in our lives, past and present
Developing prayer life, entering into the communal worship of the parish
Fostering conversion
Developing or improving our relationship with God
Various rites pertain to this period of instruction for those who are unbaptized (catechumens):

Celebrations of the Word of God [81 – 89]
Minor Exorcisms (not [90 – 94])
Blessings of the Catechumens [95 – 97]
Anointing of the Catechumens [98 – 103]
Presentations {Optional} [104 – 105]
Sending of the Catechumens for Election (a meeting with the Bishop of Catechumens from many Parishes throughout a Diocese) {Optional} [106 – 117]

An optional rite also pertains to this period for those who are baptized (candidates):

Rite of Sending the Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop and for the Call to Continuing Conversion [434 – 445]
There is also a combined optional rite if there are both catechumens and candidates in a parish:

Parish Celebration for Sending Catechumens for Election and Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop [530 – 546]

The conclusion of this period leads onto the Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names for those who are unbaptized and the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion for those who are baptized. This is a very significant and important step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent at the local diocesan cathedral, led by the local bishop. All of the Catechumens and Candidates, their Godparents (for Catechumens), and Sponsors (for Catechumens and Candidates) gather together on this day, which may involve hundreds of people. The Church formally ratifies the Catechumens’ readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation and the Candidates’ readiness to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church. In turn the Catechumens – from now on known as the Elect – publicly acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates their desire to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.

Second Step: Election or Enrollment of Names [118 – 128]

The outline of this Rite is as follows [129 – 137]:

Liturgy of the Word

Homily
Presentation of the Catechumens
Affirmation by the Godparents [and the Assembly]
Invitation and Enrollment of Names
Act of Admission or Election
Intercessions for the Elect
Prayer over the Elect
Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist

This rite does not have to be a full Mass. In this case, there is no liturgy of the Eucharist, and thus no dismissal of the elect.

Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion [446 – 449]

The outline of this rite is as follows [450 – 458]:

Liturgy of the Word

Homily
Presentation of the Candidates for Confirmation and Eucharist
Affirmation by the Sponsors [and the Assembly]
Act of Recognition
General Intercessions
Prayer over the Candidates
[Dismissal of the Assembly] – if the Eucharist is not to be celebrated
Liturgy of the Eucharist

Combined Rite [547 – 549]
Where there are both catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (baptized) in a diocese there is the option of a combined rite at this stage. This rite is formally known as The (Combined) Celebration of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.

The outline of this rite is as follows [550 – 561]:

Celebration of Election

Presentation of the Catechumens
Affirmation by the Godparents [and the Assembly]
Invitation and Enrollment of Names
Act of Admission or Election
Celebration of the Call to Continuing Conversion

Presentation of the Candidates
Affirmation by the Sponsors [and the Assembly]
Act of Recognition
Intercessions for the Elect and the Candidates
Prayer over the Elect and the Candidates
Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist

Period of Purification and Enlightenment [138 – 149]
This period tends to correspond with Lent and is intended to be a period of increased discernment and coming closer to God. The aim of this period is to eliminate what is weak and sinful, and affirm what is holy. During this period the Elect undertake a number of Rites, including the Scrutinies and Presentations:

The outlines of these rites are as follows:

» First Scrutiny (3rd Sunday of Lent) [150 – 156]:

Liturgy of the Word

Readings
Homily
Invitation to Private Prayer
Intercessions for the Elect
Exorcism
Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist

• The Presentation of the Creed (3rd Week of Lent) [157 – 163]:

Liturgy of the Word

Readings
Homily
Presentation of the Creed
Prayer over the Elect
Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist

» Second Scrutiny (4th Sunday of Lent) [164 – 170]:

Liturgy of the Word

Readings
Homily
Invitation to Private Prayer
Intercessions for the Elect
Exorcism
Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist

» Third Scrutiny (5th Sunday of Lent) [171 – 177]:

Liturgy of the Word

Readings
Homily
Invitation to Private Prayer
Intercessions for the Elect
Exorcism
Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist

» The Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer (ideally the fifth Week of Lent) [178 – 184]:

Liturgy of the Word

Readings
Homily
Gospel (Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer)
Homily
Prayer over the Elect
Dismissal of the Elect
Liturgy of the Eucharist

» Preparation Rites on Holy Saturday [185 – 192]:

– Recitation of the Creed [193 – 196]
– Ephphetha [197 – 199]
– Choosing a Baptismal Name [200 – 202]
– Concluding Rites [203 – 205]
The Candidates meanwhile prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with an optional Penitential Rite Scrutiny [459 – 472]. This takes place on the second Sunday of Lent.

The Easter Vigil
At the Easter Vigil the celebration of the sacraments of initiation takes place, Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion; according to the latest USCCB guidelines, this ceremony is to be reserved for Catechumens, so that no confusion will arise among the congregation about who is becoming a Christian (Catechumens) and who is merely being confirmed as a Catholic (Candidates). The guidelines also state that the formation process for Candidates—including its length—should be decided on a case-by-case basis and ideally conclude with a Confirmation at a regular Sunday Mass other than (and typically well before) Easter Vigil. At such a Mass, Candidates (having already been baptized) need only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist.

At the Easter Vigil, the Elect celebrate all of the sacraments of initiation; they are thereafter called Neophytes and they are considered to be full members of the Christian faithful. The Rites used to confer these Sacraments are outlined below. At some college campuses that have spring breaks during Holy Week, initiation for both the baptized and the unbaptized is often done during the weeks after Easter, so more of the community can be present.

Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation [206 – 217]
The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation is the Rite undertaken by the Elect (unbaptized).

The outline of this Rite is as follows [218 – 243]:

Liturgy of the Word

Celebration of Baptism

Presentation of the Elect
Invitation to Prayer
Litany of the Saints
Blessing of the Baptismal Waters
Profession of Faith:
– Renunciation of Sin
– Profession of the Catholic Faith by the Catechumens and Candidates

Baptism
Explanatory Rites:
– [Anointing after Baptism] – if Confirmation is separated from the Catechumen’s Baptism
– [Clothing with a Baptismal Garment] – optional
– Presentation of a Lighted Candle
Celebration of Confirmation

Invitation
Laying on of Hands
Anointing with Chrism
The confirmation can take place at the same time as the baptism, by anointing with the oil immediately after the pouring of the water.

Renewal of Baptismal Promises (at the Easter Vigil) for the congregation

Invitation
Renewal of Baptismal Promises:
– Renunciation of Sin
– Profession of Faith
Sprinkling with Baptismal Water
Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church [473 – 486]
The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church is the Rite undertaken by the Candidates (baptized).

The outline of this Rite (within Mass) is as follows [487 – 498]:

Liturgy of the Word

Readings
Homily
Celebration of Reception

Invitation
Profession of Faith
Act of Reception
[Confirmation]: – omitted if the Candidate has already been Confirmed
– Laying on of Hands
– Anointing with Chrism
Celebrant’s Sign of Welcome
General Intercessions
Sign of Peace
Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Combined Rite [562 – 565]
Where there are both Elect (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized) in a Parish there is the option of a combined Rite at this stage. This Rite is formally known as The (Combined) Celebration at the Easter Vigil of the Sacraments of Initiation and of the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.

The outline of this rite is as follows [566 – 594]:

Service of Light

Liturgy of the Word

Celebration of Baptism

Presentation of the Elect
Invitation to Prayer
Litany of the Saints
Prayer over the Water
Profession of Faith:
– Renunciation of Sin
– Profession of Faith
Baptism
Explanatory Rites
– [Anointing after Baptism] – if Confirmation is separated from the Catechumen’s Baptism
– [Clothing with a Baptismal Garment]- optional
– Presentation of a Lighted Candle
Renewal of Baptismal Promises

Invitation
Renewal of Baptismal Promises:
– Renunciation of Sin
– Profession of Faith
Sprinkling with Baptismal Water
Celebration of Reception

Invitation
Profession by the Candidates
Act of reception
Celebration of Confirmation

Invitation
Laying on of Hands
Anointing with Chrism
Liturgy of the Eucharist

- OCIA Registration Form  
- Adult Confirmation Registration Form 

Frequently Asked Questions

General Invitation

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (or O.C.I.A.) is a process for those who would like to learn more about the Catholic faith and prepare to enter the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation.

Who can be a part of the O.C.I.A.?

    •    Someone who is unbaptized.

    •    A baptized Christian who is interested in the Catholic Church.

    •    A baptized Catholic who has not received 1st Reconciliation, 1st Holy Communion and / or Confirmation.

    •    A Catholic who would like to know more about their faith.

If this describes you or someone you know please contact us at -office@anthonyandrita.com

The following announcements were adapted from the “Christian Initiation of Adults” on the USCCB webpage: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/christian-initiation-of-adults

The Precatechumenate

When someone has had an encounter with Jesus Christ, and they want to know more about Jesus.This initial period of inquiry is known as the Precatechumenate. The length of this process, which is focused on answering the questions of the inquirer, varies from person to person. After a time, the inquirer may seek to enter the Catechumenate (the formal process of formation to become a member of the Catholic Church) through the Rite of Acceptance.

The Rite of Acceptance

The Rite of Acceptance marks the end of the “Inquiry” Period (ie. the Precatechumenate) and the beginning of the Catechumenate. During this Rite, the inquirer stands before the parish community and states their desire to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. Inquirers are now known as Catechumens.

The Catechumenate

The Catechumenate is the formal process of formation to become a member of the Catholic Church. Through attendance at Sunday Mass, weekly sessions and personal reflection, Catechumens grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, knowledge of the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.When a Catechumen, the priest and the parish team agree that the person is ready to receive the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, the Catechumen requests baptism and attends the Rite of Election with their Sponsor.

The Rite of Election

The Catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the cathedral church of the diocese for the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent. Catechumens from all over the diocese who will receive baptism at the next Easter Vigil publicly express their desire for this sacrament to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in the Book of the Elect. Catechumens are now called the Elect.

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment

The season of Lent marks the final period of preparation called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. This period concludes with the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by spiritual direction for all of the faithful. This is especially true of the Elect, and prayers for them are intensely offered on their behalf by the parish community.

The Scrutinies

The Scrutinies are Rites which take place within Sunday Mass on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent. They are short, but powerful infusions of grace for the Elect which help them to grow in conversion, Christian discipleship, love of God and neighbor and to deepen their resolve to come to the font of Baptism and the Table of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.

The Easter Vigil

The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday. At this Mass, the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The Elect are now fully initiated into the Catholic Church and are known as Neophyes, a word which means “Newly Planted.”

The Period of Mystagogy and the Neophyte Year

Newly initiated Catholics, called Neophytes (meaning “Newly Planted”) continue their formation and education in the Period of the Post-Baptismal Catechesis. This period continues at least until Pentecost. During this period the newly baptized members of the Church reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the mission to “go out to all the world” with the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.

What is meant by coming into full communion with the Church?

Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for those who are already baptized Christians. In most cases, these individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called Candidates, usually participate in a formation program to help them understand the practices of the Catholic Church.

Although some preparation may be with Catechumens preparing for baptism, the preparation for Candidates is different since they have already been baptized The Candidates may be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil and readiness of the Candidate.

Is there a ceremony or preparation for Catholics who never or seldom have practiced the faith?

For Catholics who have been Baptized, Confirmed and received first Holy Communion but then drifted from the practice of the faith, the way they return is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Catholics who were baptized but never received the sacrament of Reconciliation, Confirmation and/or Eucharist should participate in a period of formation. This process of formation is completed with the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion often at the Easter Vigil.

What is the role of sponsors and godparents for an adult being baptized?

Sponsors accompany Catechumens in their journey of faith and formation from the Rite of Acceptance to the Rite of Election. Catechumens may choose one or two godparents, who will be with them from the Rite of Election, the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and through the Period of Mystagogy. Both sponsors and godparents are called to show them a good example of the Christian life, support and sustain them in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, answer questions, bear witness, and guide their progress in the baptismal life.