Joshua Bennett
Becoming Catholic is a profound and joyous experience, and a momentous event. The process is called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). OCIA is the official process for initiating prospective Catholics who have attained the age of reason, generally around the age of seven. The process involves important rites of initiation, spiritual preparation, fellowship with other Catholics and prospective Catholics, and instruction in the teachings of the faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catechumenate period | Variable, depending on the catechumen's learning and readiness to become a Christian. Typically less than a year |
| Catechumenate purpose | Provide catechumens with a thorough background in Christian teaching |
| Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) | A period of instruction prior to being received into the Church, to better understand Catholic beliefs |
| OCIA/RCIA | A program and process for adults, unbaptized and baptized, to enter the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion |
| Age requirement | Anyone over the age of 18 |
| Previous knowledge | No previous knowledge or experience of Christianity/Catholicism is necessary |
| Christian converts | Baptized persons who have lived as Christians should not undergo a full catechumenate program |
| Christian converts | Baptized Christians have a sacramental relationship with the Church and are joined by their intention to enter it |
| Christian converts | Baptized Christians should undergo individual doctrinal and spiritual preparation for reception into full Catholic communion |
| Priest/Bishop's role | Administer the sacraments of confirmation and celebrate the Holy Eucharist, giving the new Catholic the Eucharist for the first time |
| Relationship with God | Becoming Catholic is about having an ongoing relationship with God and learning more about Jesus |
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What You'll Learn
The catechumenate period
For those who were previously members of a Christian church, the catechumenate period may be shorter or adapted to their prior knowledge. If a person has been baptised in another Christian denomination, they may be invited to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) before being fully confirmed as a Catholic.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a similar process to the catechumenate, as it is a period of instruction and preparation for those wishing to be received into the Catholic Church. Through the RCIA, individuals can receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
At the end of the catechumenate period, the catechumen is normally confirmed by a bishop or priest, who administers the sacrament of confirmation and celebrates the Holy Eucharist, giving the new Catholic their first Eucharist.
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Sacraments of initiation
To become a Catholic, one must enter a systematic process known as OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults), formerly called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). OCIA is based on one's desire to enter the Church, live in harmony with Church teachings, and receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
The Sacraments of Initiation are the first of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church and are the foundation of Christian life. They are usually administered by a bishop or priest. The three sacraments are:
- Baptism: This is the first sacrament, which pardons all prior sins, rescues one from the power of darkness, and brings one to the dignity of being a child of God. It is a symbolic representation of being incorporated into Christ and being formed into God's people.
- Confirmation: This sacrament strengthens the faith of the individual. It fills the person with the Holy Spirit and makes them more like the image of the Lord. Confirmation prepares one to bear witness to the Lord and work towards bringing others to Christ.
- Eucharist / Holy Communion: This sacrament involves eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of Man, symbolically represented by bread and wine. By participating in this sacrament, one receives the food of eternal life and shows forth the unity of God's people.
The catechumenate, a period of learning Christian teachings, usually precedes the Sacraments of Initiation. This period can last for a variable amount of time, depending on the catechumen's progress and readiness to become a Christian.
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Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The process of RCIA involves several stages marked by study, prayer, and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. Before beginning the RCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, considers their relationship with Jesus Christ, and is usually attracted to the Catholic Church. This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. During this period, the individual is known as an "inquirer". After a conversation with an advisor or spiritual guide, the inquirer may decide to seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. The inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states that they want to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The inquirer then becomes a Catechumen.
The catechumen then undergoes a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. The catechumen may choose one or two godparents, who will accompany them on the day of the Rite of Election, at the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and during the Period of Mystagogy. The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of the names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. On the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the cathedral church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect. The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities.
The third step is the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, which takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the catechumen receives the sacraments. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church. As a newly initiated Catholic, they continue their formation and education in the Period of Mystagogy. This period continues at least until Pentecost. During this period, the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
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Baptism and confirmation
Baptism is one of the most important sacraments in the Catholic Church, as it marks the beginning of your journey as a Catholic. It is the first step in becoming a full member of the Church. During Baptism, you will be asked to renounce sin and profess your faith in Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity. You will also receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
If you have already been validly baptized in another Christian denomination, the Catholic Church recognizes this and you will not be baptized again. However, if your previous baptism was not valid according to Catholic doctrine (for example, if it was not performed with water or in the name of the Holy Trinity), you will need to be conditionally baptized.
To prepare for Baptism, you will need to find a sponsor, also known as a godparent, who is a practicing Catholic and can support you in your faith journey. You will also need to attend classes or catechesis to learn about the Catholic faith and the meaning of Baptism. The length and format of these classes may vary depending on your parish.
Confirmation is another important sacrament in the Catholic Church, often received during the Easter Vigil or Pentecost. It is the sacrament that completes your initiation into the Church and is sometimes referred to as the "seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit." During Confirmation, you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and be strengthened in your faith to go out and share your beliefs with the world.
Like Baptism, if you have already received Confirmation in another Christian denomination, the Catholic Church recognizes this. However, if you have not been confirmed, you will need to receive this sacrament to fully enter into the life of the Catholic Church.
To prepare for Confirmation, you will choose a sponsor, who is typically a confirmed Catholic, to guide you in your faith journey. You will also participate in a period of preparation, which may include classes, retreats, or other faith formation activities, to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith and the role of the Holy Spirit in your life.
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Becoming a Christian
The catechumenate period is a variable length of time, often less than a year, that provides candidates with a thorough background in Christian teaching. This period is an important time of waiting and reflection, allowing catechumens to explore their intention to join the Church and to develop a deep understanding of Catholic doctrine and moral life.
For those who are already Christians, their baptism forms a sacramental relationship with the Church. Their existing status as Christians means they should not be treated as catechumens and their spiritual preparation for full Catholic communion should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
At the end of the catechumenate period, the bishop or priest administers the sacraments of confirmation and celebrates the Holy Eucharist, marking the new Catholic's first reception of the Eucharist. This final step officially welcomes the individual into the Catholic Church.
It is important to note that no one can or should be forced to convert to Catholicism, and there is no obligation to do so. The decision to become a Catholic Christian is a personal and voluntary choice.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of becoming Catholic is known as OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults), formerly called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). It involves receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
The period of catechumenate, or preparation, varies depending on the individual. It can last for less than a year or even several years, depending on how much the catechumen has learned and their readiness to embrace the Christian faith.
The bishop or priest administers the sacraments of confirmation and celebrates the Holy Eucharist, giving the new Catholic their first Eucharist. They also ensure the validity of the person's baptism.
