OCIA

OCIA - An Invitation to Journey in Faith...
When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?” They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher) "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." -(John 1:38-39a)
The St. Matthias Catholic Community welcomes you as you seek to enrich your faith life and explore the possibility of becoming a Catholic Christian. Our community shares and celebrates this journey with you, through a process called: The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).


What is OCIA:
Catholicism is a way of life and becoming Catholic is a journey in faith.  OCIA is a process, rooted in history, which is designed to educate in the Catholic faith and prepare adults to receive the sacraments of the Church.  It seeks, however, to do more than simply give interested persons information.  Becoming Catholic involves entering into relationship with a community of God's people. Our hope is that you will enjoy a deeper relationship with God as you also become acquainted with members of St. Matthias and the Church throughout the world.
Your OCIA journey will be a unique time for you. You will no doubt notice how your own life experiences and beliefs have brought you to this point as you listen to God's invitation to explore the Catholic faith. At the same time, members of the parish are praying for you, attending sessions with you, and sharing their own life stories as Catholics.

Who is OCIA For:
Adults never baptized who might desire to become a Catholic.
Adults baptized in another Christian church who might desire to become a Catholic.
Adults baptized Catholic who have not received full reception into the church through the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.

Common Questions:
How long does it take? The Order of Christian Initiation is not a program of exact timing. It is the gradual process of a spiritual journey which may take a short period of time or a number of years. At St. Matthias we normally offer the OCIA program from the early fall through the spring with the Sacraments of Initiation being received at Easter. The period of Mystagogy is for the six weeks following Easter.  OCIA support continues throughout the neophyte (first) year.

What if I was baptized in another church? Once your baptism is verified, you will not be baptized again. In the Rite of Initiation, those who have received baptism will make a profession of faith in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and will receive the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation.

What is the first step? If you are seriously considering becoming a Catholic, or would simply like more information about the Catholic faith, please contact the church office.
General Inquiry information sessions are held at various times throughout the year.

What is the process? The Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) is the process by which an interested person becomes a member of the Catholic Church. This is a gradual process within the community of the faithful. It is a spiritual journey. The OCIA, as a rite, marks the various steps on the way to full commitment within the Catholic Church. It includes five specific periods:

The Period of Inquiry: 
This initial period allows the individual to become acquainted with the Catholic Church, to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and to reflect on one's own life and the stirrings of the heart.


The Period of Catechumenate
Following the Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming (first stage of commitment) this period is for deeper individual conversion and for more in-depth focus on the Catholic faith.

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Beginning with the Rite of Election this is a period of more intense spiritual preparation and is intended to purify the mind and heart, and to deepen one’s knowledge of and relationship to Christ.

The Paschal Triduum with the Sacraments of Initiation
Celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ in the Paschal Triduum at Easter offers the appropriate time for the reception of the individual into the Church with the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.

The Period of Mystagogy
After the completion of their Christian initiation in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist the individual enters a period of deepening of their understanding of the mysteries of these sacraments, and to enhance their understanding of their new faith. It is a period of deepening their Christian formation and incorporation into the full life of the Christian community.

Some Things to Consider

Sponsors:
Each Inquirer shares their journey with a Catholic "sponsor." This individual is a baptized and confirmed Catholic who is at least 16-years-old and is actively celebrating the sacraments. They attend class with you, and may attend Mass with you each week and help acquaint you with the St. Matthias Catholic community. If you know of someone with whom you would like to share this experience, please mention this to the OCIA coordinator (Joe Mikolajczyk); at the same time, there are volunteers waiting to serve in this capacity; if you would prefer to have a sponsor from our parish family we will match you with a sponsor.

Attendance:
Sessions are lead by a team of volunteers with great knowledge of the Catholic Faith. Each year many lifelong friendships develop in the sessions, as we gather to learn and pray together. While we recognize that “life happens” and you may have to miss an occasional session we recommend that you try to not to miss a large number because while it is possible to read and make up a session, it is important to be present for the discussions and worship that give the message its fullest impact. This is also true for weekly attendance to Mass on Sundays, a habit which will characterize your life as a Catholic.

Other Commitments: 
During the Period of Catechumenate and the Period of Purification and Enlightenment (approx. November through Easter) you will be dismissed from Mass to further study God’s word from the Sunday readings.  Because you cannot yet fully participate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, scripture sharing is used to help you grow closer to God.

For more information contact Joe Mikolajczyk 440-888-8220 or [email protected]