ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH

Do you want to be Catholic?

OCIA is the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (Formerly called RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). This is the process by which adults enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. This is a two-year journey for the unbaptized, baptized in other Christian faiths, did not receive first communion and confirmation.

Who is OCIA for?

OCIA is designed for a few groups of people (both English or Spanish)

• The Unbaptized: Individuals who have never been baptized in any Christian faith tradition and are seeking to become Catholic.
• Baptized Christians of Other Faiths: Those who were baptized in another Christian tradition (Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, etc.) and feel called to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Baptized but Uncatechized Catholics: Adults who were baptized as infants in the Catholic Church but never received the other Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and the Eucharist Steps  of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)

What is the process like?

The OCIA journey follows the rhythm of the Church's year and has several distinct stages:

• Period of Inquiry: This is the "come and see" phase. It's a time of no commitment where you can ask questions, learn the basics of the Gospel, and discern if God is calling you to move forward.
• Catechumenate: After an initial commitment, you enter a longer period of formal instruction. You'll dive into Sacred Scripture, the teachings of the Church (the Catechism), and learn about the sacraments, prayer, and Catholic moral life.
• Purification and Enlightenment: This stage coincides with the season of Lent. It is a time of intense prayer and spiritual preparation for the sacraments.
• Sacraments of Initiation: The journey culminates at the beautiful Easter Vigil Mass, the most sacred liturgy of the year. On this night, you will be baptized (if you haven't been already), confirmed, and receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time, becoming a full member of the Body of Christ.
• Mystagogy: After Easter, the journey continues. This is a time for new Catholics to reflect on their experience of the sacraments and explore how to live out their new life as a disciple of Christ.

For more information, please call the parish office at 916-783-5211 or email to: srnecy@strosechurch.org