• Christian Initiation  –  What is it ?

  
  Overview
  The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, OCIA for short, is a process within parish life designed to welcome new members into the Church and/or to open every Catholic parishioner to deeper belief and renewal of his or her Christian faith. But genuine openness takes time. Accepting Jesus’ way of life demands a conversion of heart, a turning away from self-centeredness to selflessness – not just once, but many times throughout our lives.
    
  A Little History
  The roots of OCIA extend far back into the early centuries of Christianity.  By the end of the second century the community of Jesus’ followers initiated new    members through a single celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This dramatic celebration of initiation took place once a year during the hours of darkness before the dawn of Easter Sunday morning – the morning commemorating Jesus’ resurrection.  But the journeys of faith of these early candidates for Christian Initiation were long and deliberately cautious because of the danger of persecution.
    
  Often at Odds
  Today, the decision to become a Catholic may also be hazardous, because our church is at odds with society.  As a church we question materialistic, immoral and consumer-oriented lifestyles which place things before people. We are challenged by exorbitant demands on the world’s resources.  The alteration of natural processes of human birth and death raises questions for Catholics about how to apply gospel values.  Immoral living, disregard for the environment, lack of support for basic human needs, and many other issues set us in opposition to modern life.
    
  Who comes to OCIA?
  Persons participating in the parish OCIA come from a variety of backgrounds. Many have never been baptized and have little or no acquaintance with the Church. Others are Christians baptized into another denomination.  Still others are Catholics baptized as infants but never educated in the Faith.
    
  The First Step
  The first step of the RCIA process is called “inquiry” or “pre-catechumenate.” Inquirers are encouraged to share their questions and personal stories in informal and friendly settings. They are encouraged to mingle with Catholics and get to know their way of life.
    
  The Second Step: Making a Decision
  After some weeks the inquirers may feel that the Gospel of Jesus as proclaimed by the Church has meaning for them. The Church appears true to its title “the people of God.”  And so we celebrate the”Rite of Welcome and Acceptance.”Now, the inquirers work with “sponsors” who become their spiritual companions. After attending the readings of the Mass, the catechumens and candidates are formally dismissed from the celebration of the Eucharist.  They gather to study the word of God and they examine how their lives are touched by its power.  They are also instructed in the faith and the moral obligations of Catholics in separate sessions.
    
  The Third Step: Deepening the Commitment
  This is the Lenten Experience. Lent is like a spiritual retreat calling all of us to a renewal of heart and recommitment to our baptismal promises. We pray, we fast, and we give alms – all with special attention to the word of God.  In the “Rite of Election”, the bishop welcomes and blesses the catechumens and candidates from all parishes, and from this time on they are referred to as the “Elect”, because they have been elected to proceed to the sacraments at the end of Lent. On the Sundays of Lent, the elect sit in special places of honor within the congregation. Also during Lent the OCIA offers three special rites called “scrutinies.” In each scrutiny the community prays that the elect will be enlightened and purified from any evil influences.
    
  Holy Week
  On Palm Sunday the elect join with parishioners in procession, waving palm branches while recalling Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and they reflect on the reading of the Lord’s passion. On Holy Thursday the elect share in the washing of the feet and they recall the institution of the Eucharist. On Good Friday the elect together with the congregation meditate on the self-sacrificing love of Jesus.  Holy Saturday becomes a day of prayerful waiting, fasting and thanksgiving. Finally, during the Vigil of Easter the elect make their baptismal promises, they are washed clean with the Sacrament of Baptism, and they are strengthened in their new faith with the Sacrament of Confirmation and their first reception of Christ’s Body and Blood.  Those who wish to enter the Catholic Church but are already baptized also complete their journey with the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
    
  The Fourth Step: Enjoy the New Faith
  The neophytes, i.e. new believers, continue to pray, rejoice and share with their new spiritual family in the time from Easter to Pentecost.  This step is titled mystagogy (Greek for “joyous mystery.”) On Pentecost, the process is officially brought to a close when the believers are sent into the world to evangelize and share what they have received. Monthly sessions should continue for a year to strengthen the roots of the new faith.