OCIA -- Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
This program has had a name change - formerly RCIA now known as OCIA - and currently running out of St. Joseph's Church in Mantua.... see this link for more info...
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, often referred to as the RCIA, is the process whereby adults enter the Catholic Church. RCIA meetings are generally held weekly and over the course of several months those who attend continue their journey of faith with us and a sponsor learning about what the Catholic Church believes. They are encouraged to come with their questions and learn in an adult-style setting involving discussions.
Because each individual is different, it is important to meet with the RCIA Director, Jeff Botos, Pastoral Associate, to share his/her previous religious education on Scripture, Prayer, and Christian beliefs that are basic to every Christian. This helps us to determine how to meet the individual and help them along their personal journey. Some come who are already baptized whether they attended any Sunday school or not; others are not baptized and yet often know quite a bit about Christianity. We try to meet each person where they are.
During the RCIA, the sessions help the person to better understand the Catholic Faith, provide information (Reason) and formation (Faith).
There are different stages or phases of the process:
- Precatechumenate or Inquiry
- Catechumenate
- Purification and Enlightenment (usually during Lent prior to coming into the Church)
- Mystagogy
If you have been:
- Have been worshiping in a Catholic Church here or at another one, but never actually taken the step to become Catholic
- Are coming from another Christian church and wish to find out more about what we believe
- A spouse, friend or relative of someone you know who is Catholic, and you would like to understand better what your spouse/friend believes
- Thinking that God has been calling you to consider becoming Catholic