All things RCIA or, I guess it’s OCIA
1. What does OCIA stand for and what does that mean?
The Order (formerly Rite) of Christian Initiation is the formal process by which candidates are prepared for entry into the Church. This process can take around 1-2 years in most parishes, but there is a special emphasis on this process during the season of Lent, as most candidates are baptized and/or confirmed during the Easter Vigil Mass. Â
2. What’s special about OCIA during Lent?
The entire process is divided into FIVE STAGES: Inquiry (varies by individual, approx. 1 year), Catechumenate, Purification & Illumination (this begins at Lent), Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (this is on the night of Easter Vigil), and Mystagogy (more on this last stage below)
3. Has there always been OCIA?
While conversions have been happening since the beginning of Christianity, and entry into the Church has always included Baptism, the process of how to get there has developed over the centuries. Here are some great articles on the history of this process!
4. Does OCIA end at Easter?
No! Even after the confetti has fallen, the water has been poured and the Masses are all over, the life of the new Christian is just beginning. The season of Easter for a new Christian is filled with great graces and a deepening of the Christian mystery is called for. This process is called “mystagogy” and there is a deep theology behind it. Check out these resources below!
5. Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic? Want to know how to begin OCIA?
Contact your local parish! This is the first step for beginning the process and getting connected to the local community of Catholics who will support you (or your friend) in this process! Here’s a short video below explaining it further. God speed!