Order of Christian Initiation
                                of Adults

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC?

If you are: An adult who has not been baptized into a Christian faith community

and wishes to learn about becoming a Catholic;  or  an adult who has been baptized

into another Christian faith community, yet wishes to join the Catholic Church,

 ... we are ready to walk this life-transforming faith journey with you.

WHAT IS OCIA?

The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Previously known as RCIA/Rite of Christian Initiation.) process is the preparation program set up by the Catholic Church to bring people into the Catholic Faith. The OCIA originated in the earliest traditions of the Church for welcoming new members into the Catholic community. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process intended to help individuals journey to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.  It includes prayer, study and discussion of all things Catholic for a period of nine months to a few years where individuals then seek to be full members of the Catholic Church, completing his/her reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation).  

WHERE SHOULD I START?  WHEN DO CLASSES BEGIN?

Our OCIA classes open up in September of each year. We meet once per week, on Thursdays at 6 PM in the south classroom of the Parish Risen Christ Hall.  These meetings will continue to take place until 6 weeks after Easter.  As the process continues, Mass attendance and scripture discussion will take place on Sundays.   

Each session is a casual and friendly discussion to answer questions from inquirers of the faith.  We look forward to meeting each person wherever they are at on their faith journey, and we strive to be respectful in this process.

WHO CAN I CONTACT?

If you have any questions or would just like to talk to someone about entering the Catholic Church, please contact Fr. Amal.

1st PHASE: Period of Inquiry

This is a time of introduction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a time of reflection on one's own life in light of the values of the reign of God.  It is an opportunity to ask questions and to allow the beginnings of Christian faith to form.

Rite of Acceptance (into the Order of Catechumens)
After the Period of Inquiry, there is a liturgical rite that takes place as one wishes to publicly express their desire to follow the way of Jesus.  This rite takes place during Mass where the Church accepts the individual's intention and welcomes them into the household of faith as catechumens.

2nd PHASE: Period of Catechumenate

Along with the whole community, catechumens celebrate the Liturgy of the Word at Mass each Sunday.  After the homily, the catechumens and members of the OCIA team continue to study and ponder the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.  Through prayer, learning and coming to know other Catholic Christians, catechumens discover the love and power of God in their lives through the Catholic Church.

Rite of Election
Towards the end of the Period of Catechumenate, the Rite of Election takes place on the first weekend of Lent at St. Mary's Cathedral in Portland.  At this rite, the archbishop formally acknowledges the readiness of the catechumens and calls them to the Sacraments of Initiation.  The catechumens respond by expressing their desire for these Sacraments.  From this time until they are baptized, they are called "The Elect".

3rd PHASE: Period of Purification and Enlightenment

On the first Sunday of Lent, the catechumens begin the 3rd phase which ends at the Easter Vigil when the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated for the first time.  During this 3rd period, the elect and the parish community together focus on conversion, scrutinize their lives in light of the Gospel, and celebrate the presentations of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. 

Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
The elect become full members of the Body of Christ, the Church, through the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.  From this time until the end of the period of Mystagogy, they are known as neophytes, or "new sprouts".

4th PHASE: Period of Mystagogy

The final stage, Mystagogy, or "living the mysteries", occurs during the 50 days after Easter.  Neophytes ponder the experience and meaning of the Sacraments and participate with the faithful in the Eucharistic life of the Church and its mission for justice and peace.  We are all living the mysteries.