The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), or Catechumenate, is the process by which adults are gradually initiated into the Catholic Church through stages of formation, prayer, and community participation. It includes periods of inquiry, catechesis, purification, and mystagogy, culminating in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The process emphasizes ongoing conversion and deepening relationship with Christ within the life of the Church.
Period of Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate, 36-40
1. The Catechumen enters into a journey to strengthen his faith.
2. Strengthen an initial conversion.
3. Catechumen is called away from sin.
4. Called to enter into the profound mystery of divine love.
5. Strengthen the will to follow Christ.
6. A suitable explanation of the Gospel.
7. They should be led to cooperate with Divine grace and purify their intentions.
Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate, 41-47
1. The rite is most important since it is when, coming together in public for the first time, the Church receives those who intend to become her members.
2. The first faith conceived during the Period of the Precatechumenate
3. Before Rite, a period of time is set aside for investigation for conversion
4. Received on fixed days during the year
5. Either entire Christian community or friends, family, catechists should be a part of the Rite
6. After the celebration of the rite, the names of the catechumens should be written in the book of records
7. After the Rite, catechumens are embraced by Mother Church and belong to the house of Christ. (i.e. in the event of the death of a catechumen, they receive a Christian funeral).
Period of the Catechumenate, 73-80
1. Appropriate pastoral and doctrinal instruction.
2. Strengthening the familiarity of the Christian life.
3. Communal support.
4. Liturgical awareness and practice.
5. Instruction should last long enough to witness an initial conversion of faith to maturity.
6. Extensive instruction in Catholic doctrine. It must be thorough and precise.
Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names, 118 – 128
1. The rite marks the end of the catechumenate.
2. The norm of the rite is to be held during the beginning of Lent.
3. Before the Election, the catechumens are questioned regarding their conversion of mind and morals
4. Admission to Election belongs to the Bishop (or delegated to a Priest or Deacon by the Bishop)
5. The catechumens are now called “Elect” for they have been elected by God to “enlightened” by their upcoming Baptism.
6. All encouraged at the rite to prepare themselves for the Paschal Solemnities.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment, 138-147
1. Intense Spiritual preparation.
2. A conversion of heart toward Jesus Christ.
3. Turning away from Sin. Addressing all spiritual and moral impediments.
4. Scrutinies are dedicated to the liberation from Sin.
5. The mystery of Sin and the necessity that everyone needs to be rescued.
6. Christ the Redeemer-the living water (The Gospel of the Samaritan Woman), light (the Man born blind), the resurrection of life (the Gospel of the raising of Lazarus).
Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, 206 -217
1. The celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation normally takes place during the Easter Vigil
2. The Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
3. Baptism signifies the mystical participation in the Death and Resurrection of Christ
4. Confirmation is received immediately after Baptism signifying Confirmation strengthening and completing Baptismal Grace
5. the Eucharist marks the first time the neophytes take part with full entitlement and reach the completion of their Initiation.
6. Receiving Communion confirms the gifts they received and receive a foretaste of eternal gifts.
Mystagogy, 244-251
1. In the community, progress towards understanding the Paschal Mystery.
2. Participation in the Holy Eucharist.
3. A more fruitful understanding of the Mysteries of the Sacraments is received.
4. Continual doctrinal formation, practice of the Catholic faith, develop closer relationships with the parish community, Godparents, and broader parish life.
5. Active participation in the Masses of the Neophytes during Easter.
6. Celebrate Pentecost and the anniversary of their Baptism.