Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
The Order of Christian initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) is the modern form of the ancient process used in the first centuries of Christianity for admitting new members into the Catholic Church. The process is concerned with the total formation of the person: learning about the Church community (doctrinal formation), living with the Church community (practical formation), praying with the Church (liturgical formation), and serving with the Church community (apostolic formation).
OCIA is a four stage class that meets on Monday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. John’s Social Hall. The class begins on the first Monday after Labor Day and concludes on the second Monday after Easter.
Stage One: Inquiry Stage. Inquirers are instructed in the doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church. Through a series of classes participants receive in-depth instruction on all aspects of the Creed. Together inquirers learn about God, His Son Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the redemption of the human race.
Stage Two: Catechumenate Stage. A more formal period of preparation begins. It is a time of continued study and formation. It includes participation in liturgical rites. During this stage those to be baptized are known as “Catechumens” and those already baptized in another Christian faith are called “Candidates”.
Stage Three: Purification and Enlightenment Stage. This stage coincides with Lent and is a 40 day period that includes the study of the Sacraments and preparation for receiving the sacraments of initiation. Catechumen are called the Elect.
Stage Four: Sacraments of Initiation. Those eligible and desiring to join the Catholic Church do so during this stage. Those already Baptized Christian make a profession of faith and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Those not yet Baptized receive all three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Reception into the Catholic Church takes place at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday during Holy Week.
Registration for the OCIA class can be done over the phone any time, preferably between Easter and Labor Day. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about he Catholic faith or joining the Catholic Church call Susan Carlson at 402-489-9574. We will also be happy to answer additional questions about the class. There is never any pressure or obligation. Ideally each inquirer comes to class with a practicing Catholic who serves as their sponsor during the process. However, parishioners are happy to fulfill this role if needed.
You may feel called to join the class STARTING SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 if you are:
- Not baptized and considering full initiation through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
- Baptized in another Christian tradition and considering being received into the Catholic Church through Confirmation and Eucharist.
- Baptized in the Catholic church seeking to complete imitation through the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation
- Baptized Catholic and seeking adult Confirmation