Order of Christian Initiation for Adults

For most Catholics, the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process can be quite confusing.  Non-baptized persons interested in drawing closer to Christ are called catechumens.  Catechumens become full members of the Catholic Church by means of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist, which are referred to as the Sacraments of Initiation. Those adults who were baptized as infants either as Roman Catholics or as members of another Christian community but didn’t receive further catechesis, nor, the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist are also included in the OCIA process.  They are referred to as candidates preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and the sacrament of Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil.

Usually in February the OCIA catechumens and candidates take another step toward the Sacraments of Initiation, by attending the Rite of Election with Bishop Ricken.  What’s not commonly known is the entire Catholic community is responsible for nurturing those who are searching for Christ.  There is an essential bond that exists between the faith of the OCIA faithful and the faith of the fully initiated that can encourage a spiritual awakening for the entire community.  The witness of the faithful participating in the sacraments and the ministerial life of the Church is a huge source of inspiration and comfort to the catechumens and candidates.

Similarly, the enthusiastic embrace of the faith that the new converts bring to the celebration of the liturgy and sacraments can lift the spirits of “veteran” Catholics who may have become complacent.  It’s vitally important that the St. Pius X community serves as mentors and guides to the converts as they reflect on the mysteries that unfold before them through their meditation on the Gospels, their participation in the Eucharist, and their ministry in charity to others.

Each of us has been commissioned by the Lord to go out and proclaim the good news of the gospel as we reach out in love to build God’s kingdom on earth by our baptism, confirmation, and every time we celebrate Eucharist.  We are equal members of the universal church and have been called to play a special role in God’s mission so let’s be faithful to that call!  You see, it’s through prayer, that we receive life from God.  During our Lenten journey, let’s pray for each of our catechumens and candidates by name as they prepare to participate fully in the Sacramental Life of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.