One of the most misunderstood elements of the catechumenate process is the ritual dismissal of the catechumens from the Mass after the homily. Many catechumenate team members resist dismissing the catechumens because, to the team, it seems inhospitable. In other parishes, there is a tendency to go overboard, dismissing everyone including baptized candidates and even the Catholic sponsors. At the root of this confusion is a lack of clarity about the importance of the ritual dismissal and its purpose. The dismissal of the catechumens is important for this reason. It ritually expresses the identity of the catechumens and their role in both the celebration of the liturgy and in the body of Christ.
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Interested in Becoming Catholic?
To start your journey, the first step is to contact your local parish to meet the OCIA coordinator and the parish priest in order to initiate the OCIA process or help you in answering any questions you may have. To search for parishes local to your area click here.
WHAT IS OCIA?
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WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE OCIA PROCESS?
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WHAT IS THE OCIA JOURNEY?
Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate (OCIA #36)
This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
Period of Catechumenate (OCIA#75-117)
The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment (OCIA #138-140)
This period normally coincides with Lent… The time of purification and enlightenment is given to a more intense preparation of spirit and heart, which has the character of recollection rather than of catechesis and is intended to purify hearts and minds by examination of conscience and penitence.
Period of Mystagogy (OCIA #245)
Christian Initiation of Adults - USCCB
This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
- First Step: Rite of Entrance in the Catechumenate (OCIA #41)The first Rite in the OCIA process, the Rite of Acceptance accepts new members into the worshipping community.
Period of Catechumenate (OCIA#75-117)
The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
- Second Step: Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names (OCIA 118-128) Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter
Period of Purification and Enlightenment (OCIA #138-140)
This period normally coincides with Lent… The time of purification and enlightenment is given to a more intense preparation of spirit and heart, which has the character of recollection rather than of catechesis and is intended to purify hearts and minds by examination of conscience and penitence.
- Third Step: Reception of the Sacraments (OCIA # 206) At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the Christian Initiation process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Period of Mystagogy (OCIA #245)
- This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
Christian Initiation of Adults - USCCB
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In accordance with the laws of the Catholic Church, the Seattle Metropolitan Tribunal provides pastoral care to Catholics, and to non-Catholics who approach the Church, by hearing and responding to their petitions and questions. It does so by examining and adjudicating questions involving the status of persons and the protection of rights. The Tribunal primarily addresses the marital status of persons and their freedom to marry in the Catholic Church. The Judicial Vicar and other canon lawyers working with the Tribunal also provide canonical resources and consultation to the archbishop, central agencies, parishes, and the Catholic faithful. |
Questions regarding the annulment process, contact the Tribunal Office |
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Parish Resources
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Team Initiation A free online resource, Team Initiation provides a variety or materials for OCIA pastoral leaders and training materials for church ministers and volunteers including webinars, downloads, events, e-mails and discussion forums. Team Initiation A free online resource, Team Initiation provides a variety or materials for OCIA pastoral leaders and training materials for church ministers and volunteers including webinars, downloads, events, e-mails and discussion forums. |
CATECHUMENEON
A collection of video resources focused on Christian Initiation and designed to assist parishes with understanding and implementing the vision of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Association of Catechetical Ministry ACM fosters the full implementation of the Order of Christian Initiation by providing communication, resources, and education networks for diocesan and parish personnel working with the catechumenate. |
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OCIA Policies & Programs
OCIA Materials for Parishes
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CONTACT US
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[email protected]
206-382-4830 |