The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process (processus) through which adults (14 yrs. and older, there is a separate process for children called “Order of Christian Initiation for Children”) enter full sacramental communion with the Catholic Church. By Baptism one is incorporated into the mystical body of Christ, the Church. This analogous language, in-corpore, suggests that the person becomes a part, grafted into the mystical body of Christ at their Baptism. (See Vat. II, Lumen Gentium 11 & 14) This is further strengthened when by the Sacrament of Confirmation one is perfectly bound or chained to the Church (see Vat. II, Lumen Gentium 11) to share perfectly in the gifts of the Holy Spirit which animate the life of the Church. This is all consummated in the reception of the Eucharist, which makes present for us the fruits of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins and a share in His eternal life, in His body and blood.
OCIA is a processus. In Medieval theology, the processus was used to instruct a person on a specific passage of Scripture in order that it may more perfectly and fully become a part of their life. This work of integrating the Word of God in one’s life requires a step-by-step process of learning about the depths of meaning the Word of God has for a person’s life. Likewise, OCIA is a processus to help a person engage on the pilgrimage of integration of faith, hope and love developed by an encounter with the Word of God, Jesus Christ, in their life. The OCIA processus seeks to integrate the Word of God, Jesus Christ, experienced in the life of the person seeking full union with Christ and His Church through the sacred Scriptures and Sacraments. Each step toward full communion with the Church is a spiritual, moral and intellectual processus that encounters the purifying, illuminating and perfecting/uniting love of God. Throughout the OCIA process we experience God through the mediation of His Church and this descending revelation of God toward us gives us the grace needed to make an ascending return pilgrimage of spiritual/moral purification (the purgative way/period of purification), intellectual illumination (the illuminative way/period of enlightenment) unto full communion with God (the unitive experience). This is done with the assistance of a sponsor and lead by a priest, deacon and/or team of catechists who each bear responsibility for the interested person’s formation unto the likeness of Christ Jesus.
The sacred liturgy hold primacy of place for the formation of catechumens as it is in the sacred liturgy that persons seeking full communion with the Church experience the Word of God most perfectly in Scripture and Tradition. Christ Jesus is the wellspring of Divine Revelation from which flows two rivers, Scripture and Tradition, and these two rivers form a unity in the sacred liturgy where they reach their most perfect expression in the self-revelation of God to humanity. (See Vat. II, Dei Verbum 9-10, 21) In the proclamation of the Word of God during the Liturgy of the Word (Liturgy of the Catechumens) the catechumens and candidates are illumined by the Word as by a light. And, this light seeks to purify them from the darkness of sin and ignorance. Just as the Liturgy of the Word gives way to the Liturgy of the Eucharist, likewise the OCIA process moves the catechumens and candidates to prepare for holy communion with Christ Jesus in the Eucharist, the source and summit of the life of the Church. (See Vat. II, Sacrosanctum Concilium 10)
Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC) For children who have reached the age of reason: seven (7) years of age (CIC, c. 97 §2) but have not yet reached the age of majority: eighteen (18) years of age (CIC, c. 97 §2) they are usually to follow the program of the OCIC. However, since a child after having completed the age of 14 is both outside of the age of our regular Confirmation program and is capable of switching their Church of ascription (CIC, c. 112 §1, 3º), those 15 to 18 will normally be expected to participate in OCIC. The program follows the same steps of pre-catechumenate, catechumenate, reception of all the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil (R.C.I.A., 215 and 256), and mystagogy, yet in an age appropriate fashion in accord with canon 779. However, in consultation with the pastor, children 7 to 14 years of age, on a case by case basis, may have determined by the pastor and the child's parents that the child should be baptized without haste and then integrated into our Religious Education program. (See: Religious Education Program Policies, I.2-2a)
Catechumens need not receive the Sacrament of Penance as their Baptism washes them clean of both original and actual sin. For catechumens, this week should be a time of catechesis in regards the Sacrament of Penance and how this period of purification and illumination in God’s light will be more completely embraced at their Baptism. The catechumen should also be instructed in the importance of the Sacrament of Penance following their Baptism for the remission of sins thereafter.
If you are interested in being Baptized Catholic or you are already Baptized Catholic and want to complete your Sacraments of Initiation (First Eucharist and/or Confirmation), please contact Jenn at the office (973)-948-3185x1