Contact: Carrole Harrison at, 217-824-8178
Thinking about becoming Catholic or just want to learn about Catholicism? The Catholic Church warmly welcomes you on this journey of exploration and discernment!
WHAT IS OCIA?
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. This collaborative process of study, exploration, faith sharing, and faith formation is the first step in being fully initiated into the Catholic Church. During this process participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.
At the Great Vigil of Easter, candidates receive the Sacraments of Initiation–Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation–receiving the full gifts of the Holy Spirit and becoming full members of the Catholic Church.
WHEN DO SESSIONS MEET?
Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 pm in the St. Mary School Library.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
You’ll explore Catholic beliefs, history, and the beauty of our rituals. Some topics will include:
–Scripture and the Sacraments
–God, Son and Holy Spirit
–Church history and the papacy
–Heaven and hell
–Mary and the saints
–The problem of evil; sin and reconciliation
–Conscience, moral decision making, justice
WHO JOINS OCIA?
- People interested in learning about Catholicism.
- People who have never been baptized.
- People who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition and are now interested in the Catholic tradition.
- People who were baptized in the Catholic tradition, but were not raised practicing Catholicism, and are seeking the sacraments of Confirmation and or Eucharist.
- Returning Catholics and those who want to renew their knowledge of our Faith
Period of Inquiry, or Pre-catechumenate
Inquirers are invited to deepen their understanding of how God has been active in their lives, and begin to learn what the Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God.
Rites of Acceptance and Welcome
Inquirers are recognized by the Church as genuinely seeking greater instruction and formation. Dismissals begin, where OCIA participants depart Sunday Mass after the homily to go study the Word of God together.
Period of the Catechumenate
The catechumens (non-baptized) and candidates (baptized) reflect more deeply on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His Church, and their personal journeys of faith.
Rite of Election (First Sunday of Lent)
The catechumens are welcomed by the bishop and declared “elect” in the sight of the Church—as legitimately seeking baptism. Candidates are also blessed by the bishop.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment (Lent)
Those elected for Baptism together with the candidates deepen their prayer and examine their lives more closely as they prepare to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation–Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Rites of Initiation (Easter)
The elect and candidates profess their faith and receive their Sacraments of Initiation at the Great Vigil of Easter, welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Period of Mystagogy
The newly initiated persons reflect further on the mystery of the Easter Sacraments and become more integrated into the community of the Church as faith-filled and active disciples of the Lord.