The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process of becoming Catholic. It is for those age seven or older who have not been baptized or have been baptized in another Christian tradition.
If you are an adult Catholic who has been baptized and would like to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and/or First Eucharist, please click here for information on Adult Confirmation.
WHAT IS CATHOLIC INITIATION?
Every year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, Nativity—along with the universal Church—welcomes new Catholics through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Individuals seeking to become Catholic prepare for this night by participating in our Catholic Initiation (CI) program.
The Catholic Initiation journey includes:
A personal interview with one of our priests after registration to hear your faith story.
Classes on the Catholic faith presented by one of our priests.
Accompaniment by a mentor who will help you grow in prayer and guide you through the lessons, Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other readings.
Participation in the life of the church.
Charitable Work beyond our church to the greater community.
Culminates with the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. It constitutes the beginning steps of a lifelong relationship with the Church.
Those members who are already baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but who have not yet become Catholic will be “fully initiated” into the Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Communion. These individuals will participate in an individualized preparation process including most of the components listed above.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Interview
An individual seeking to become Catholic is required to have a conversation with a priest or deacon regarding their desire to enter the Church. This will typically take place as soon as you register. It is a moment for the seeker to share their personal story and what has led to the decision to enter the church and/or express any questions that they may have.
Monthly Class
The Catholic Initiation process will include a monthly lesson taught by one of our priests. This will be a time to come together with others on the journey along with one of our priests to share and discuss questions and topics raised in individual reading and work with mentors. It is also a time of fellowship and participation in the greater community.
Mentors
Catholic Initiation members will be given a mentor to walk with them through the sacrament preparation process. Mentors, selected and assigned by the Catholic Initiation Director, are actively living their Catholic faith. Their role is to accompany, share their lived experience of the faith, and introduce you to the greater church community here at Nativity and beyond. Members are expected to complete a certain amount of reading and outside preparation and mentors are an immediate resource for questions and helping apply the information to our lived expression of the faith.
Godparent/Sponsor
In addition to a mentor, members select a Godparent (if unbaptized) or a Sponsor (if already baptized) who accompanies them through the rites leading up to and including Baptism and Confirmation. Godparents and Sponsors must be practicing Catholics, married in the Catholic Church, and fully initiated by having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
Liturgical Moments
An individual seeking to become Catholic is required to have a conversation with a priest or deacon regarding his or her desire to enter the Church. This will typically take place as soon as you register.
Liturgical Moments
The steps of Catholic Initiation include a number of liturgical moments, during which those seeking to become Catholic are presented to the community, accepted as “catechumens,” and called to “election.” For detailed information on these steps, click here.
Sacraments
The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Our Catholic Initiation program prepares individuals for the reception of these sacraments as well as the sacrament of Penance. Whether you are Baptized Christian or not, all are welcome to become “fully initiated” into the Catholic faith.
CONTACT:
Beverly Ketchel, b.ketchel@nool.us, 303-469-5171, Ext. 104
