"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, to the close of the age" (Mt 28:19-20).
Introduction to Youth Faith Journey - What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process, established for the universal Church, for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church.
The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.” Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.
The OCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the apostles. It was the early Church’s way of Christianizing the pagan Roman Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 64).
The OCIA process may last for only a few months or could last for years, depending on the needs and the readiness of the catechumens and candidates. The OCIA is designed to allow people to move forward when they are ready for the next step of their formation.
The First Step - Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
When people first consider becoming Catholic, they enter into a period of evangelization and catechesis known as the precatechumenate. This is a time for inquiry and introduction into the life of the Catholic Church, its teachings, and into the richness of Sacred Scripture. The period has no fixed duration or structure and has no formal ritual or celebrations, although prayer is an element of learning about and experiencing the Catholic way of life.
This is a time for inquiry and evangelization, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith. Here the seed is planted through the proclamation of the Gospel and the story of salvation history.
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