In November 2021, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) changed the name of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) to the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). The name change applies to the process of entering the Catholic Church and the book of prayers and ritual text for those steps.
Are you curious about the Catholic faith?
Are you thinking about becoming Catholic?
Have you been baptized in another Christian faith and are interested in becoming a Catholic?
Were you baptized a Catholic and would like to receive Eucharist and Confirmation?
Do you know someone who might be interested in becoming a Catholic?
If you answer YES to any of the above questions, a warm welcome!
OCIA (Formally RCIA)
The process to explore the Catholic faith is called the OCIA (The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). This journey of study and prayer generally takes about nine months. Gatherings occur on Thursday evenings. The process is twofold. The first is an opportunity to uncover God's loving presence in one's personal life and the second is a means to help a person embrace the rich treasury of the Catholic faith.
Most members of the Catholic church are baptized as infants. Others, who were previously baptized in other Christian traditions, become Catholics after making a solemn Profession of Faith, receiving Confirmation, and sharing Eucharist with the Catholic Community. Still, others, who were not previously baptized become Catholic through a process called Christian initiation, which includes the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The celebration of the Sacraments takes place at the Easter Vigil.
OCIA Meet & Greet is September 5th, 2024 (5:30 pm) and OCIA Sessions begin September 12th, 2024 (Dinner at 5:30, session begins at 6:00). For more information about OCIA, please get in touch with Deacon Ted or Wendy Saer by emailing ocia@holysouls.org or calling the church office for more information 501-663-8632.
Order of Christian Initiation for Children
This program, which is very similar to OCIA, is designed at the level of children bringing the sacrament of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) to any child who is over the age of 7 and has never been baptized in any faith tradition. For those who have been baptized in another faith, they make a Profession of the Catholic Faith then proceed with preparation for the Eucharist and Confirmation Sacraments. In both cases, the children are placed in a class that meets weekly. The celebration of the Sacraments takes place at the Easter Vigil. For information about OCIC, please contact Deacon Ted or Wendy Saer by emailing ocia@holysouls.org or calling the church office for more information 501-663-8632.