Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)

What is OCIA?

OCIA is the “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults”; the process for adults unbaptized (Catechumens) and those adults baptized outside the Catholic Church (Candidates) become members of the Church. OCIA is a time for inquiry and begins a journey that guides us to a loving relationship with Jesus Christ in His Church.

Who should attend OCIA?

• Catechumens: Non-Baptized Adults
• Candidates: Adults baptized outside the Catholic Church who wish to enter into full communion with the Church.
• Baptized Catholics who have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion
• Baptized and Confirmed Catholics who have been away from the practice of the faith and wish to return.
• Anyone who wishes to learn more about the Catholic Faith.

How long is the process? What happens in OCIA?

OCIA will begin in early September and will continue until the Solemnity of Pentecost. Additionally, we will host inquiry sessions through August, allowing individuals to meet the OCIA team and ask questions about the process. Please contact the office or check our bulletin for a list of inquiry times. You are welcome to contact Deacon Roy Brown at any time for more information.

We meet on Sundays following the 9AM Mass (10:00AM-11:30AM). Class discussions introduce participants to the central teachings of the Catholic Church, following the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as personal stories of the faith journey of the OCIA team members.

OCIA journey consists of:

• • Period of Evangelization (Precatechumenate). This is a time when those interested in the prospect of joining the Catholic Church are encouraged to come and hear witness of the faith from the OCIA team, ask questions and begin their journey. We discuss what is faith, who is Jesus Christ and how the Church is the continuing mission of Christ to call all people to Himself.

• • Next, we begin a deeper exploration of the teachings of the Catholic Church (Catechumenate). This is a time for us to explore the gift of the Sacraments, entrusted to the Church as a means for God’s grace to work within our lives and lead us on our path to holiness.

• • Following this time of deeper instruction, the Church formally recognizes the Catechumen’s readiness for baptism at the Rite of Election. This Rite is celebrated at the beginning of the Lenten season, so we continue with a period of (Enlightenment) by opening our hearts to hear God’s call for repentance and renewal. The Rite of Election is presided over by our Bishop and the Catechumens are asked to state their desire to receive the sacraments.
    
    At the Easter Vigil, sacraments are received, and Catechumens are formally recognized as Catholics.

• • The Period of post-baptismal instruction (Mystagogy) continues through the Easter Season (Easter Sunday through Pentecost). New Catholics are especially encouraged to participate fully in the Eucharist, but also to explore the wealth of spiritual writings, devotions, traditions, and culture within our Catholic Church.

If I am Catholic, but have not been Confirmed, should I attend OCIA?

Yes. If this applies to you, please contact Deacon Roy Brown.

Do I need a Sponsor?

Yes, a sponsor is required for both Catechumens and Candidates.
A practicing Catholic in good standing (receiving sacraments) is required as your Sponsor. This person is encouraged to attend classes with you and stand as a witness of faith with you through the various Rites of Initiation. This will be discussed further during our inquiry sessions.

If I do not have a Sponsor, what do I do?

Show up to the first class without a Sponsor. We will assist you in finding you a sponsor.

Is there any cost associated with OCIA? Do I have to pay for classes?

No. Necessary materials are provided but you may want to purchase specific items that will aid in your journey of faith. This will be entirely up to you. We can also provide you with many free resources as well as where you can find items you wish to purchase.

What do I need to do to prepare for classes?

• First, pray. Prayer is most important.

• Second, show up. We will provide all books and materials.

• Third, if you have specific questions about the Catholic Church that you feel may prevent you from beginning this journey, contact Deacon Roy to discuss them confidentially.

• Fourth, we will have assignments each week to prepare for the next class. Do your best to remain up to date in completing these. Participate, read, study, reflect. The more you are actively engaged, the more you will benefit from this important process.

• Fifth, give thanks to God for His many blessings.

How do I begin?

We are excited to welcome you on this journey of faith.  Please contact Deacon Roy to arrange a brief interview. This is not something that obligates you in any way whatsoever.  It is intended to help us to better minister to you. During this interview we will:

• Gather your name, address, etc., so that we can communicate with you.
• To confirm you have been validly baptized
• Provide an opportunity for to ask questions of concern
• To confirm your marital status. If more than one marriage has occurred, this may require attention should you decide to receive the sacraments.
• To become familiar with situations that could make your attendance more difficult, and a chance to discuss potential options.
• To explain the role of the Sponsor and to get the name, address, telephone number, etc.

Please contact Deacon Roy Brown- 406.259.4350 or email ocia@stbernardblgs.org

How do I become an OCIA sponsor – and why should I consider it?

Many have found OCIA to be helpful in their continuing journey of faith as they join in the prayer and teachings that make up our OCIA classes. These sponsors have often commented that OCIA reignited their own desire to love and serve our Lord.

The OCIA process requires that every inquirer have a sponsor.  Many times, these individuals do not know any Catholics. OCIA is always in need of sponsors for these inquirers of the Catholic faith.  

Sponsors do not have to know everything about the Church—they are not the catechists for the inquirers, but rather are the inquirer’s companion on their journey of faith.

Sponsors serve as a representative of the Church and assist the OCIA candidate as they prepare to receive the appropriate sacraments of initiation. Sponsors serve as a guide and example for the inquirer.  Sponsors introduce the inquirer to the parish and the parish to inquirer by attending Mass, social gatherings, and other events together.

The Church asks that sponsors be present for the candidate at the several rites throughout the process and at as many of the OCIA sessions throughout the year as able.

In addition to guiding the inquirer on their journey in the faith, the OCIA process also allows the sponsor to, while on their own faith journey, review the teachings of the Church and grow in their love of God, neighbor, and their faith!

Requirements for Sponsors

• Must be 16+ years of age, confirmed, living a prayer-filled and faith-filled life, and in good standing with the Catholic Church.
• If you are not registered at St. Bernard, please speak with Mary Strauss, Parish Secretary.
• Speak with Deacon Roy Brown about your interest in becoming a sponsor.

Deacon Roy Brown-OCIA Director

406.259.4350

ocia@stbernardblgs.org