OCIA is a program for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, to learn more about the Catholic faith through classes, discussions and prayer time.

It is intended for those who:

  • have never been baptized in any faith
  • were baptized, but in another Christian faith
  • were baptized as Catholics, but never received all the Sacraments of Intitiation: Confirmation and/or Holy Eucharist

OCIA is an opportunity for prayer, learning the truth of the Catholic faith and applying it to your life. You will participate in prayerful ceremonies (rites) and, most importantly, use all these experiences to build and grow in your relationship with God.
OCIA is done in four different stages:

1. The Precatechumenate or Inquiry Period

This is a time of asking questions, building community and trust, learning about the Church and it is a time of learning in prayer about conversion

2. The Catechumenate

This is a longer period marked by continuing to learn about the basic teachings of the Church, continuing to build community, entering more deeply into prayer and reflecting on the Word of God.

3. The Period Of Enlightenment And Purification

This is a more intense period of preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments of Initiation. This period runs during Lent and is a time of deep prayer, conversion, continued instruction, and listening to God’s voice.

4. Mystagogy

The period when the newly initiated Catholics are drawn more deeply into the life of the Church.

What is OCIA (1)

 

For more information please contact: dre@stvpp.org