![]() | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject.(April 2018) |
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (Latin : Ordo initiationis christianae adultorum), or OCIA, is a process developed by the Catholic Church for its catechumenate for prospective converts to the Catholic faith above the age of infant baptism. Candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices. The basic process applies to adults and children who have reached catechetical age. [1] In many English speaking countries, it is called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). In the United States, the name was changed to the OCIA in 2021 to reflect greater fidelity to the original Latin, although this change has yet to be officially approved by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. [2]
Some Catholic movements, like the Polish Light-Life and the Spanish Neocatechumenal Way, promote post-baptismal formation based on the OCIA. [3] [4] Similarly, the Knights of Columbus provides a free correspondence course under the Catholic Information Services (CIS) program. [5]
The ideal is for there to be an OCIA process available in every Roman Catholic parish. Those who want to join an OCIA group should aim to attend one in the parish where they live.
For those who wish to join, the OCIA process is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation. There is no set timetable, and those who join the process are encouraged to go at their own pace and to take as much time as they need.
US bishops have said that the process "should extend for at least one year for formation, instruction, and probation" for those who have had no previous experience with living a Christian life. [6] However, "nothing ... can be settled a priori. The time spent in the catechumenate should be long enough—several years if necessary—for the conversion and faith of the catechumens to become strong." [7] For those who have some experience leading a Christian life, the process should be much shorter, "according to the individual case." [8]
Those who enter the process are expected to begin attending Mass on Sundays, participate in regular faith formation activities, and to become increasingly involved in the activities of their local parish.
Priests "have the responsibility of attending to the pastoral and personal care of the catechumens." Throughout the process, they are assisted in this by deacons and catechists. [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]
This outline is based upon the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) approved for use in the dioceses of the United States which includes additional rites for various circumstances and combinations. [14] The numbers shown in the article headings and elsewhere relate to the relevant sections of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved rite.
"This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values." [15] The church is offering here an invitation to initial conversion. There is no obligation involved during this period. "It is a time of evangelization: faithfully and constantly the living God is proclaimed and Jesus Christ who he has sent for the salvation of all." [16] At this stage, seekers are known as Inquirers.
Inquirers who wish continue on to the period of the catechumenate celebrate the rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.
The rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens may take place throughout the year. "A sponsor accompanies any candidate seeking admission as a catechumen." [17] Ideally, the sponsor is provided to the candidate by the parish. [18] The duties of a sponsor are to journey with the catechumens through the process and provide a compelling witness in matters of faith.
This is a very significant step, so much so that for catechumens (unbaptized): "One who dies during the Catechumenate receives a Christian burial."[47]
The outline of this Rite is as follows [Paragraphs 48 - 68]:
Receiving the Candidates
"The candidates and their sponsors, and a group of the faithful gather outside the church." [19]
The mass then goes on as usually normal with: Liturgy of the Word
At this point a new portion is added
From this point until their baptisms, catechumens are dismissed after the liturgy of the word when they attend Mass. This is to make the process feel more like it was in the early church,[ citation needed ] when catechumens were dismissed before communion before their baptism, which might have taken years to prepare for, to make the communion more meaningful.
Inquirers who have already been validly baptized in a non-Catholic ecclesial community, or baptized Catholic but not catechized as a child (have not received first Eucharist), are welcomed to this next stage via the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. They enter this rite known as "candidates", and they are known by this title from now on. Their rite of welcoming the candidates often does not take place at the same time as the catechumen's rite of acceptance.
The outline of this rite is as follows [416 - 433]:
Receiving the Candidates
The Mass then continues as normal: Liturgy of the Word
(At this point there is a special prayer over the candidates)
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Candidates are sometimes dismissed during the Mass.
Where there are both unbaptized and baptized inquirers in a parish there is the option of a combined rite at this stage. This rite is formally known as "The (Combined) Celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming Baptized but Previously Uncatechized Adults Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church".
The outline of this rite is as follows [507 - 529]:
Receiving the Candidates
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
These rites delineate the transition between the Period of Inquiry into the Period of the Catechumenate. The rites take place when the members of the local church are gathered together for the Eucharistic celebration.
A catechumen (from Latin catechumenus, Greek κατηχουμενος, instructed) is one receiving instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. It is for this reason that those who are already validly baptized in another Christian Faith are not known as catechumens, but rather candidates.
The Catechumenate is an extended period during which the candidates are given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life. [75]
This is achieved in four ways {paraphrased}:
From the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
The period of the Catechumenate is a time for:
More importantly, it is a time for:
Various rites pertain to this period of instruction for those who are unbaptized (catechumens):
An optional rite also pertains to this period for those who are baptized (candidates):
There is also a combined optional rite if there are both catechumens and candidates in a parish:
The conclusion of this period leads onto the Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names for those who are unbaptized and the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion for those who are baptized. This is a very significant and important step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent at the local diocesan cathedral, led by the local bishop. All of the Catechumens and Candidates, their Godparents (for Catechumens), and Sponsors (for Catechumens and Candidates) gather together on this day, which may involve hundreds of people. The Church formally ratifies the Catechumens' readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation and the Candidates' readiness to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church. In turn the Catechumens – from now on known as the Elect – publicly acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates their desire to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.
The outline of this Rite is as follows [129 - 137]:
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
This rite does not have to be a full Mass. In this case, there is no liturgy of the Eucharist, and thus no dismissal of the elect.
The outline of this rite is as follows [450 - 458]:
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Where there are both catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (baptized) in a diocese there is the option of a combined rite at this stage. This rite is formally known as The (Combined) Celebration of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.
The outline of this rite is as follows [550 - 561]:
Celebration of Election
Celebration of the Call to Continuing Conversion
Liturgy of the Eucharist
This period tends to correspond with Lent and is intended to be a period of increased discernment and coming closer to God. The aim of this period is to eliminate what is weak and sinful, and affirm what is holy. During this period the Elect undertake a number of Rites, including the Scrutinies and Presentations:
The outlines of these rites are as follows:
» First Scrutiny (3rd Sunday of Lent) [150 - 156]:
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
» The Presentation of the Creed (3rd Week of Lent) [157 - 163]:
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
» Second Scrutiny (4th Sunday of Lent) [164 - 170]:
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
» Third Scrutiny (5th Sunday of Lent) [171 - 177]:
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
» The Presentation of the Lord's Prayer (ideally the fifth Week of Lent) [178 - 184]:
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
» Preparation Rites on Holy Saturday [185 - 192]:
The Candidates meanwhile prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with an optional Penitential Rite Scrutiny [459 – 472]. This takes place on the second Sunday of Lent.
At the Easter Vigil the celebration of the sacraments of initiation takes place, Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion; according to the latest USCCB guidelines, this ceremony is to be reserved for Catechumens, so that no confusion will arise among the congregation about who is becoming a Christian (Catechumens) and who is merely being confirmed as a Catholic (Candidates). The guidelines also state that the formation process for Candidates—including its length—should be decided on a case-by-case basis and ideally conclude with a Confirmation at a regular Sunday Mass other than (and typically well before) Easter Vigil. At such a Mass, Candidates (having already been baptized) need only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist.
At the Easter Vigil, the Elect celebrate all of the sacraments of initiation; they are thereafter called Neophytes and they are considered to be full members of the Christian faithful. The Rites used to confer these Sacraments are outlined below. At some college campuses that have spring breaks during Holy Week, initiation for both the baptized and the unbaptized is often done during the weeks after Easter, so more of the community can be present.
The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation is the Rite undertaken by the Elect (unbaptized).
The outline of this Rite is as follows [218 - 243]:
Liturgy of the Word
Celebration of Baptism
- Renunciation of Sin
- Profession of the Catholic Faith by the Catechumens and Candidates
Celebration of Confirmation
The confirmation can take place at the same time as the baptism, by anointing with the oil immediately after the pouring of the water.
Renewal of Baptismal Promises (at the Easter Vigil) for the congregation
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church is the Rite undertaken by the Candidates (baptized).
The outline of this Rite (within Mass) is as follows [487 - 498]:
Liturgy of the Word
Celebration of Reception
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Where there are both Elect (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized) in a Parish there is the option of a combined Rite at this stage. This Rite is formally known as The (Combined) Celebration at the Easter Vigil of the Sacraments of Initiation and of the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.
The outline of this rite is as follows [566 - 594]:
Service of Light
Liturgy of the Word
Celebration of Baptism
Renewal of Baptismal Promises
Celebration of Reception
Celebration of Confirmation
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Baptism is a Christian sacrament of initiation almost invariably with the use of water. It may be performed by sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or by immersing in water either partially or completely, traditionally three times, once for each person of the Trinity. The synoptic gospels recount that John the Baptist baptised Jesus. Baptism is considered a sacrament in most churches, and as an ordinance in others. Baptism according to the Trinitarian formula, which is done in most mainstream Christian denominations, is seen as being a basis for Christian ecumenism, the concept of unity amongst Christians. Baptism is also called christening, although some reserve the word "christening" for the baptism of infants. In certain Christian denominations, such as the Catholic Churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Assyrian Church of the East, and Lutheran Churches, baptism is the door to church membership, with candidates taking baptismal vows. It has also given its name to the Baptist churches and denominations.
Mass is the main Eucharistic liturgical service in many forms of Western Christianity. The term Mass is commonly used in the Catholic Church, Western Rite Orthodoxy, Old Catholicism, and Independent Catholicism. The term is also used in some Lutheran churches, as well as in some Anglican churches, and on rare occasion by other Protestant churches.
Divine Liturgy or Holy Liturgy is the usual name used in most Eastern Christian rites for the Eucharistic service.
In Christian denominations that practice infant baptism, confirmation is seen as the sealing of the covenant created in baptism. Those being confirmed are known as confirmands. For adults, it is an affirmation of belief. It involves laying on of hands.
The Easter Vigil, also called the Paschal Vigil, the Great Vigil of Easter, or Holy Saturday in the Easter Vigil on the Holy Night of Easter is a liturgy held in traditional Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Historically, it is during this liturgy that people are baptized and that adult catechumens are received into full communion with the Church. It is held in the hours of darkness between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Day – most commonly in the evening of Holy Saturday or midnight – and is the first celebration of Easter, days traditionally being considered to begin at sunset.
In Christianity, worship is the act of attributing reverent honour and homage to God. In the New Testament, various words are used to refer to the term worship. One is proskuneo which means to bow down to God or kings.
The sacraments of initiation are the three sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist in Nicene Christianity. As such, they are distinguished from the sacraments of healing and from the sacraments of service.
The Neocatechumenal Way, also known as the Neocatechumenate, or NCW is an itinerary/process in the Catholic Church for faith formation. It is inspired by the catechumenate of the early Catholic Church where converts from paganism are able to be prepared for baptism through a process of faith formation. This post-baptismal formation helps deepen the faith for adults that have already been baptized, and provides basic instruction to those that are far from the Church. This itinerary of formation adapts the rites of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for those that have already been baptized, without repeating the sacrament of baptism.
The Massof the Catechumens is an ancient title for the first half of the Catholic Mass or Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy. In the Mass of Paul VI of the Catholic Church, it is referred to as the Liturgy of the Word. It was originally called the Mass of the Catechumens, because the Catechumens, or candidates for Baptism, were required to leave the ceremony before the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, or Mass, proper.
In the history of Christianity, the African Rite refers to a now defunct Christian, Latin liturgical rite, and is considered a development or possibly a local use of the primitive Roman Rite. Centered around the Archdiocese of Carthage in the Early African church, it used the Latin language.
Catechesis is basic Christian religious education of children and adults, often from a catechism book. It started as education of converts to Christianity, but as the religion became institutionalized, catechesis was used for education of members who had been baptized as infants. As defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 5 :
Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life.
Antiochene Rite also known as Antiochian Rite refers to the family of liturgies originally used by the patriarch of Antioch.
The Mass is the central liturgical service of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church, in which bread and wine are consecrated and become the body and blood of Christ. As defined by the Church at the Council of Trent, in the Mass "the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross, is present and offered in an unbloody manner". The Church describes the Mass as the "source and summit of the Christian life", and teaches that the Mass is a sacrifice, in which the sacramental bread and wine, through consecration by an ordained priest, become the sacrificial body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ as the sacrifice on Calvary made truly present once again on the altar. The Catholic Church permits only baptised members in the state of grace to receive Christ in the Eucharist.
The sacrament of holy orders in the Catholic Church includes three orders: bishops, priests, and deacons, in decreasing order of rank, collectively comprising the clergy. In the phrase "holy orders", the word "holy" means "set apart for a sacred purpose". The word "order" designates an established civil body or corporation with a hierarchy, and ordination means legal incorporation into an order. In context, therefore, a group with a hierarchical structure that is set apart for ministry in the Church.
Disciplina arcani was a custom that prevailed in the 4th and 5th centuries of Christianity, whereby knowledge of certain doctrines and rites of the Christian religion was kept from non-Christians and even from those who were undergoing instruction in the faith so that they may progressively learn the teachings of the faith and not fall to heresy due to simplistic misunderstandings.
The General Intercessions or Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful are a series of prayers which form part of the liturgy in the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist and other Western Liturgical Churches.
Blessed salt has been used in various forms throughout the history of Christianity. Among early Christians, the savoring of blessed salt often took place along with baptism. In the fourth century, Augustine of Hippo named these practices "visible forms of invisible grace". However, its modern use as a sacramental remains mostly limited to its use with holy water within the Anglican Communion and Roman Catholic Church.
There are seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, which according to Catholic theology were instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Church. Sacraments are visible rites seen as signs and efficacious channels of the grace of God to all those who receive them with the proper disposition.
A sacrament is a Christian rite that is recognized as being particularly important and significant. There are various views on the existence, number and meaning of such rites. Many Christians consider the sacraments to be a visible symbol of the reality of God, as well as a channel for God's grace. Many denominations, including the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist, and Reformed, hold to the definition of sacrament formulated by Augustine of Hippo: an outward sign of an inward grace, that has been instituted by Jesus Christ. Sacraments signify God's grace in a way that is outwardly observable to the participant.
The expression minor exorcism can be used in a technical sense or a general sense. The general sense indicates any exorcism which is not a solemn exorcism of a person believed to be possessed, including various forms of deliverance ministry. This article deals only with the technical sense which specifically refers to certain prayers used with persons preparing to become baptised members of the churches which makes use of such rites. These prayers request God's assistance so that the person to be baptised will be kept safe from the power of Satan or protected in a more general way from temptation.