Journey of Faith with the Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA)
The OCIA process is a journey that includes a series of rites marking significant steps in one’s commitment to Christ. These rites are accompanied by periods of preparation, and they guide participants towards full initiation into the Catholic Church. Each stage is an opportunity for spiritual growth and formation, supported by your sponsor, the OCIA team, and the parish community.

The OCIA Process and Rites
Your journey begins as you explore what it means to be Catholic in both your relationship with God and your daily life. The OCIA rites take place during Mass, either at the beginning or after the homily, where you stand with your sponsor near the altar and respond to the priest’s questions. The community prays for you, offering their support as you move forward in faith.

Periods and Rites
While each person’s journey is unique, the Church has established certain steps, marked by rites, that help participants prepare for each significant moment. Each rite is preceded by a formation period to ensure that you are ready for the next step.

Inquiry Period
During the inquiry period, you began following Jesus more earnestly, coming to know His teachings and love more fully. You also shared this newfound faith with others.

Rite: Acceptance
The Rite of Acceptance marks the transition for those desiring baptism into the catechumenate. This rite introduces you to the parish community, who pledge their prayers and support. You express your intention to follow Christ, and your sponsor affirms your ongoing conversion. As a catechumen, you continue to grow in faith through study, prayer, and reflection. The rite begins with your desire to enter the community symbolized by standing at the church doors. The priest asks, “What do you ask of the Church?” and you answer, “Faith,” signifying your commitment to live according to Christ’s example.

Rite: Welcoming
If you are already baptized, you enter the catechumenate as a candidate through the Rite of Welcoming. This rite may be celebrated separately or combined with the Rite of Acceptance.

Catechumenate Period
The Catechumenate is a focused time of learning about Catholic beliefs and practices. It is an intense period of preparation for the sacraments of initiation.

Rite: Election
Your parish may hold a Rite of Sending to offer prayers and support as you prepare for the Rite of Election at the diocesan cathedral. During the Rite of Election, the bishop or his delegate affirms your readiness for initiation into the Church. You become a member of the elect, chosen by God and the Church. During this rite, you and your godparents express your readiness to enter the Church, and you sign the Book of the Elect, signaling your desire to receive
baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist at Easter.

Purification and Enlightenment
The period of Purification and Enlightenment coincides with Lent. This is a time of reflection, focusing on your conversion and preparing you to receive the Easter sacraments. Minor rites, such as the scrutinies, presentation of the Creed, and presentation of the Lord’s Prayer, take place during Sunday Mass.

Rites: Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil, the “holy night,” you are fully initiated into the Catholic Church through the reception of the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. If you are newly baptized, you become a neophyte, meaning “newly planted.” If you were already baptized, you make a profession of faith and celebrate confirmation and Eucharist.

During the Easter season, you will participate as a full member of the Catholic Christian community, reflecting on the profound meaning of the sacraments you have received and your new life in Christ.

~ Deacon Dick Bayless, 510-656-2364