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OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a guided journey for adults who are exploring the Catholic faith or preparing to fully enter the Church. Rather than a single class or event, it unfolds over time through a series of meaningful steps.
Each step marks a milestone in a person’s faith journey. Along the way, participants receive teaching, prayer, and personal support to help them grow closer to Christ. After each step, there is time to reflect, deepen faith, and prepare for what comes next.
The goal of OCIA is not simply learning information, but forming a real, lived relationship with Jesus and becoming fully part of the Church community.
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The OCIA process guides candidates through four distinct periods of preparation and formation.
This initial stage focuses on inquiry and evangelization, allowing candidates/inquirers to explore their own faith and hear the gospel message before entering into a formal and public relationship with the Catholic Church. This period leads to formal entrance into the Catechumenate by means of discernment and a liturgical rite celebrated within the parish community.
Beginning with the Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate, when the candidate formally becomes a “catechumen,” this period begins systematically to deliver the deposit of faith. The OCIA rite book provides the rites that help the catechumens open their hearts and minds to leave behind those parts of their lives that need conversion and healing. The tone of this period should be supportive and move the catechumens through the minor rites to become more liturgical. During this period the participants are called to a deeper relationship with the Lord in prayer, are surrounded by the loving support of the community, and hear the Truth. It is a time of learning and conversion. As in each period, three aspects must be present in balance to facilitate conversion. These aspects are: Liturgical, Catechetical, and Pastoral.
After discernment and prayer this period of the process begins with the rite reserved for the bishop, The Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names. In this rite the catechumens are “elected” by the bishop for initiation at this upcoming Easter Vigil. Usually occurring during the first week of Lent, the Catechumens become the Elect. This period is marked by intense spiritual preparation leading up to the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.
After receiving the sacraments, newly initiated Catholics continue their journey. They are now called Neophytes. They have received the sanctifying graces bestowed by Baptism and strengthened by Confirmation. If we could view them with mystical sight we could see that they have been changed. They have received the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love so have the ability to view their lives in a new way. They are reborn. As with anyone who is young, they need loving support and guidance. The Period of Mystagogy provides this support. Reflecting on the mysteries of the faith and integrating into the life of the Church doesn’t happen magically. Since the promulgation of RCIA, this period has been mostly ignored. With this new promulgation of OCIA the Church has the opportunity to correct this oversight and get this right.
The Steps of OCIA: A Journey of Faith
Each of these steps is celebrated within the parish community, reminding us that faith is not lived alone. OCIA is a shared journey—one that unfolds with patience, grace, and the support of the Church along the way.
For those who were never baptized
These individuals are called catechumens. Their journey includes three main steps:
Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate
This is the formal welcome into the Church’s faith journey. From this point on, the person is publicly recognized as someone preparing to become Catholic.Rite of Election (Enrollment of Names)
Celebrated near the beginning of Lent, this step recognizes that the person is ready to move toward full initiation. The Church affirms their desire to follow Christ.Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil, the person receives Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, becoming fully Catholic.
For baptized Christians preparing for confirmation and the eucharist
(Including adults baptized as infants who were never taught the faith)
These individuals are called candidates. Their journey includes five steps:
Rite of Welcoming the Candidates
A public welcome that acknowledges their desire to continue growing in the Catholic faith.Rite of Sending the Candidates
The parish formally supports and sends them forward as they prepare for the next stage of conversion.Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion
The Church invites them to deepen their commitment to Christ and the life of the Church.Penitential Rite (Scrutiny)
A time of prayer and reflection focused on repentance, healing, and renewal.Rite of Reception into Full Communion
The candidate is received into full communion with the Catholic Church and receives Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Combined Journeys
In some cases, unbaptized individuals and baptized but uncatechized adults walk the journey together. In these situations, four combined steps are used:
Rite of Entrance and Rite of Welcoming
A shared beginning for catechumens and candidates.Rite of Sending
Both groups are supported by the parish as they prepare for the next major step.Rite of Election and Calling to Continuing Conversion
Each person is formally recognized according to their baptismal status.Easter Vigil Celebration
Catechumens receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, while candidates are received into full communion with the Church.
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