Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) at St. Matthew’s:
An Invitation to Journey in Faith
An Invitation to Journey in Faith
“Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him,
‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and you will see…’”
– John 1: 38-39
‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and you will see…’”
– John 1: 38-39
An overview of the OCIA journey: The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a faith journey for adults desiring to become full members of the Catholic Church. Through a gradual and community-centered process of prayer, faith sharing, study, and rituals, the OCIA process prepares people for full initiation within the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and/or Eucharist.
Who is welcome to begin the OCIA journey? All people who are open to discerning their personal experience of faith and learning more about the Catholic community of faith are welcome to begin the OCIA process. The OCIA process is designed especially for:
Adults never baptized who might desire to become a Catholic.
Adults baptized in another Christian church who might desire to become a Catholic.
Adults baptized Catholic who have not received the sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.
Who is welcome to begin the OCIA journey? All people who are open to discerning their personal experience of faith and learning more about the Catholic community of faith are welcome to begin the OCIA process. The OCIA process is designed especially for:
Adults never baptized who might desire to become a Catholic.
Adults baptized in another Christian church who might desire to become a Catholic.
Adults baptized Catholic who have not received the sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.
The steps of the OCIA journey: The OCIA process includes four periods:
What’s involved logistically?
- Inquiry (also called pre-catechumenate): This is a time for you to “come and see” and ask: “Do I want to go through the process and become a full member of the Catholic Church?” Members of the OCIA team – made up of St. Matthew’s community members – will support and guide you through this period of exploration and questioning.
- Catechumenate: Beginning with a special liturgical moment called the “Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate”, during this period our St. Matthew’s Parish formally welcomes you, supports you and prays for you. The OCIA team continues to support and guide you as you study Catholicism more deeply and meet Jesus Christ more intimately.
- Enlightenment: This period also begins with a special liturgical moment called the “Rite of Election,” in which you are formally presented to the bishop and experience rituals of commitment and strengthening. During this time together we deepen our prayer and study experiences, “break open” the Lenten Scriptures, and participate in a Retreat Evening, all leading to our celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation and Welcoming (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) on the Vigil of Easter, the night on which the Church celebrates new life in Christ.
- Post-Baptismal (also called the mystagogia): This period is a time to enter more deeply into the extraordinary mystery of living as a Catholic Christian. This is a time to share joyfully your experience of new life in Christ, to grow spiritually, and to discern how to share the wonderful gifts God has given to you with our faith community and beyond. Even though this is considered the final period in OCIA, it is by no means the end of the journey. Our faith development is life long!
What’s involved logistically?
- Attend OCIA sessions (schedule TBD).
- Participate in liturgical rites during the OCIA process.
- Seek out a Sponsor: a Catholic relative or friend, a person who is a Christian witness and role model for you, and a person who will accompany you on this faith journey. The OCIA team can help you find a Sponsor.
- To register or for more information, please call our OCIA Coordinator, Angie Diamond, through the parish office at 518-765-2805. All inquiries will be kept confidential.
Our St. Matthew’s community looks forward to sharing and celebrating
this journey of faith with you!
this journey of faith with you!