You have probably heard of R.C.I.A. and R.C.I.C. Now you have likely heard the terms O.C.I.A. and O.C.I.C.
R.C.I.A. and R.C.I.C., of course, stood for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children. The names of the two programs have been changed to more closely match the original Latin name for the process, and because the term “rite” means a single event rather than the process that is really what O.C.I.A. and O.C.I.C. are. Further, calling it an Order reminds us all that we are all part of an ongoing journey of spiritual formation.
O.C.I.A. and O.C.I.C. are the process by which an adult or a child who has not been confirmed as a Roman Catholic can become one and enter into full communion with the Church. Both are for those who have never been baptized and also for those who have been baptized but have never been confirmed as Catholics. Those who enter the O.C.I.A and O.C.I.C. who have not been baptized and not confirmed are called “catechumens.” The individuals in the programs who have been baptized but not yet confirmed are called “candidates.”
The process starts with “Inquiry.” Inquiry sessions are a chance for those interested in becoming Catholic to find out what the program involves and to ask questions about Catholicism and the O.C.I.A. and O.C.I.C programs. The process of becoming confirmed as a Roman Catholic is explained, and questions about the process and about Roman Catholicism are answered. Those who want to enter the program are welcomed into the O.C.I.A and O.C.I.C programs in the Rite of Welcome, for those who have been baptized, and the Rite of Acceptance, for those who have not. This is generally held in the Fall. From then on, those in the programs, along with the O.C.I.A. and O.C.I.C. team members, meet weekly until the Sunday before Easter Vigil.
What happens in O.C.I.A and O.C.I.C. meetings? Each week we first discuss Catholic beliefs, Catholic traditions, and topics involving core Catholic issues. These include topics such as Catholic prayer, the Sacraments, the elements of the Mass, the role of the Saints, the Catholic Catechism, an overview of the Bible, and a number of others. An important part of the meetings is to prepare those in the program for the Rite of Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, and Baptism (for those not yet baptized). In O.C.I.A., following the discussion on Catholic topics, we review and discuss, in detail, the Scripture Readings of the day. The goal in O.C.I.A and O.C.I.C. is to not just prepare participants for Confirmation, but to help put them on a path that leads to a closer relationship with God. This is the beginning of the pilgrimage.
At the Easter Vigil the catechumens are baptized and, along with the candidates, confirmed. All will receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. The O.C.I.A. and O.C.I.C process is not completely over after Easter, as we meet again during the period between Easter and Pentecost called mystagogy. The purpose of this is to help deepen the faith of the newly initiated Catholics and to help prepare them for involvement in the parish community and the ministry of the Church.
Those who are interested in O.C.I.A. but are concerned over whether to try it because of insecurity over a lack of knowledge of the Bible need not worry. We meet you where you are. The programs are for those who do not feel well versed (pun intended) and those who do. The O.C.I.A. and O.C.I.C. programs are an enjoyable, interesting, and rewarding experience. Those who choose to go through the programs learn a great deal about our Catholic faith and traditions. Those who have not yet been baptized are baptized. Those who have been baptized in other faith traditions learn the depth and richness of Roman Catholicism. Participants who were in other denominations are almost always surprised, for example, to discover that everything said and done during Mass has a scriptural basis.
If you are interested in learning more about the programs, please reach out to the parish office. See you in Church!