WHAT IS THE OCIA (Formally RICIA)?

It is a gradual process that takes place in the midst of the Church Community.  The process is similar to a spiritual journey of adults that varies according to how each individual freely cooperates with God’s grace, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place.

 BASIC STRUCTURE

Four periods are regarded as the major, more intense movements of the RCIA. They are:

• Evangelization/Precatechumenate: It’s a time of no fixed duration or structure.  A time for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, and opportunity for the beginning of faith.
• Catechumenate: The duration of this time depends on the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens’ faith and conversion to God.
• Purification/Enlightenment:  This is the time immediately preceding initiation usually during the Lenten season.  It is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion. 
• Postbaptismal Catechesis (Mystagogy):  This is the time, usually the Easter season, during which the newly baptized experience being fully a part of the Christian Community.

 Each period begins and ends with a liturgical ritual.

OCIA PROCESS AT HOLY SAVIOR

Here at Holy Savior, we have a Year-Round- Catechumenate.  This means we are open to respecting the needs of each individual as they follow the call of God in their lives.  The year-round model suggests that individuals will go through the process at their own pace, which opens the possibility of individuals embracing the Initiation Sacraments at differing times.  The ordinary time for reception of the Initiation Sacraments is at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.  But the most important gauge depends on the individual freely cooperating with God’s gift of grace.  The adults meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.

CHILDREN CATECHUMENATE

There is no Rite of Initiation for children.  The Adult Rite is adapted for children. To learn more about the RCIA program at Holy Savior, contact: