Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
“Come and see.” — John 1:39
If you are curious about the Catholic faith or feel drawn to learn more about becoming a member of the Church, we warmly invite you to begin a conversation with us.
Please contact our Parish Office at (315) 685-5083 for more information or to schedule a time to meet with our pastor.
What Is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process through which adults who are not baptized—or baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church—prepare to enter into the life of the Church.
It is not a class or a program, but a journey of faith marked by prayer, study, and reflection. Participants, called catechumens, grow in relationship with Christ and the Church community through a series of stages leading to the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
The OCIA process follows the ancient practice of the early Church and was restored after the Second Vatican Council as the normative way for adults to enter into full communion with the Catholic faith.
The Journey of OCIA
The OCIA unfolds through several stages of spiritual growth:
-
Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate):
A time of asking questions, exploring faith, and discerning God’s call. No commitments are made—this is simply a period of curiosity and openness. -
Catechumenate:
Once an individual chooses to continue, they are welcomed as a catechumen during a special rite. This period focuses on learning the Gospel, the teachings of the Church, and developing a deeper prayer life. -
Rite of Election:
Typically celebrated at the cathedral at the beginning of Lent, catechumens are formally recognized by the bishop as “the Elect”—those preparing for baptism at Easter. -
Purification and Enlightenment (Lent):
A sacred time of final preparation, marked by prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal, as the Elect prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. -
Sacraments of Initiation (Easter Vigil):
During the Easter Vigil Mass, the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist—becoming full members of the Catholic Church. -
Mystagogy (Post-Baptismal Catechesis):
After Easter, the newly initiated (now called neophytes) continue to grow in understanding the mysteries of the faith and discern how to live as disciples in daily life.
Coming into Full Communion
Men and women who have already been baptized in another Christian tradition but wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church are known as candidates.
They are not re-baptized but make a profession of faith and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Candidates typically participate in portions of the OCIA process alongside catechumens, with formation adapted to their previous Christian experience.
Symbols and Meaning
-
White Garment: Represents being washed clean from sin and clothed in Christ.
-
Candle: Lit from the Paschal Candle, it reminds the newly baptized to walk always as children of the Light.
-
Sacred Chrism: The holy oil used in anointing signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and the call to share in Christ’s mission.
Why the OCIA Matters
The OCIA is not only a path for those entering the Church—it is a renewal for the whole parish community. Each new member reminds us that faith is a living journey, and we are all called to continually rediscover God’s grace and the joy of the Gospel.
Interested in learning more?
We welcome your questions, your doubts, and your hopes.
Call the Parish Office at (315) 685-5083 to begin the conversation.
Together, let’s take the next step in faith.