Journey into Faith (O. C. I. A.)
The OCIA is a journey for those interested in becoming Catholic or simply discovering more about the Catholic faith. The OCIA is a process of sharing Catholic teaching, prayer, Scripture, spiritual formation, rituals, and coming to know members of the church community.
The process consists of the following stages:
Pre-catechumenate (Inquiry)
This is a “Come and See” time – a time for questions, finding out more about the Lord, the Catholic faith, and the Catholic Church.
Catechumenate
Those still interested after their initial inquiry are formally welcomed and begin a Catechumenate period of learning more about Jesus, the Catholic Church, the Sacraments, Catholic morality and daily living as a Catholic.
Purification and Enlightenment
During Lent, the Church calls those who have discerned that God is calling them to be Catholic to make their final preparation for their initiation into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (or Reception into Full Communion for the already-baptized). Lent is a period of more intense spiritual preparation.
Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil, the Catechumens (unbaptized) and the Candidates (already baptized) are baptized or received into the Church, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist for the first time.
For further information, please contact Matt Hunt, Director of Religious Education at 586-791-3930 ext. 328