Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
What is OCIA(formerly RCIA)?
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.I.C.A.) is a spiritual journey in faith to discover what it means to follow Jesus as a Catholic Christian and the joy and freedom that can result form journeying with Christ. Every year adults are welcomed in the Catholic Community through O.C.I.A. It is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings you to Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take My
yoke upon your shoulders and learn form Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls
will find rest, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
The focus of our program is literally “the making of Christians,” as Tertullian, an early Christian author, wrote in the 4th century when he stated that “Christians are made, not born.” OCIA provides a setting where the journey of faith and moments of conversion can be celebrated with our Church community. If you or anyone you know would like to join us on this journey, please contact Deacon Ben Feril by email at iccrcia455@gmail.com .
O.C.I.A. has several aspects:
Spiritual:
Catechumenates and candidates attend part of Sunday Mass as a group each
week. They learn new ways of praying, and they search into themselves and
discover what God is saying to them now.
Educational:
Catechumenates and candidates learn what the Catholic Church believes about
God, about Jesus, about the Bible, and about what the Church teaches.
Community:
Catechumenates and candidates are encouraged to be part of the parish and to attend parish events and celebrations.
Service:
In the Bible, Jesus directs us to “love your neighbor as yourself” and lets us know
that “whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.” Following
Jesus, R.C.I.A. asks each candidate to participate in acts of service to the needy.
Who is OCIA for?
- Adults who have never been baptized.
- Adults baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
- Adults baptized Catholic who have never received First Communion and/or Confirmation.
If you feel God calling you to have a deeper relationship with Him. Please call the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 or send an email to iccrcia455@gmail.com to register with the OCIA Team.