Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

I’ve heard talk about the R.C.I.A. changing to O.C.I.A.  What is the O.C.I.A.?

In November 2021, the USCCB approved a new translation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (or R.C.I.A.) which will now be referred to as the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (or O.C.I.A).  This new translation was recently approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome. 

What changes can we expect in the O.C.I.A.?

Nothing is known for sure yet but it is presumed that the process will remain largely the same.  The ritual text, rites and prayers will get a linguistic facelift.

When will the new Rite book to be released?  When can we begin to use it?

As of June 1, publishers are accepting pre-orders.  Books will ship on November 1, 2024. The new translation of the baptismal catechumenate (O.C.I.A.) may be used on the 1^st Sunday of Advent (December 1, 2024).  It must be used on Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025).     

Why should we have an O.C.I.A. process in our parish?

The Church calls the “baptismal catechumenate” (a/k/a – the O.C.I.A) the “inspiration” and “model for all catechesis” (General Directory for Catechesis, 59), the “typical setting” for initiating catechumens into the “full encounter with the mystery of Christ in the life of the community” (Directory for Catechesis, 61) and a “training period for the whole Christian life” (Directory for Catechesis, 61).

We don’t typically have any catechumens.  Why should I have an O.C.I.A Team?

Catechumens and candidates are not the only ones who are formed by the O.C.I.A process.  A healthy catechumenate also forms the people of a parish. When the O.C.I.A. is done well, even in times when there are no catechumens or candidates, parishioners learn about the process, how to invite people to be a part of it, where to send them for more information etc.   This not only empowers them to fulfill the Great Commission, it also inspires engagement and enlarges the parish community.

If we have any catechumens or candidates, I just meet with them myself.

The pastor should certainly be involved in the O.C.I.A. process, but one person alone can’t do the O.C.I.A. as the Church intends or reap the maximum benefit of the process.  Having a team in place offers the benefit of a variety of faith experiences to enrich the formation of the catechumens and candidates in your process.  A team also makes it possible to better facilitate the dismissal of the catechumens at Sunday Mass and to share the load of the many aspects of a healthy O.C.I.A process without placing an undue burden on the pastor. 

You refer to the O.C.I.A. as a “process.” I have always understood it to be a “class” or a “program.” 

A “class” or a “program” has fixed content, start and end times.  The O.C.I.A. is a process of conversion which draws participants into deeper knowledge of and relationship with Jesus Christ in and through His Bride the Church.  As such it is not “one size fits all” proposition or an “assembly line” churning out Catholics. As important as the content of our catechesis is accompaniment; an accompaniment through which involves listening, challenging, supporting, and speaking the truth in love.

The ritual book lists several rites (ex. the Rite of Acceptance, the Rite of Sending, the Scrutinies etc.).  Do we have to do these rites in the parish?

The rites are what set the O.C.I.A. apart from adult faith formation. Some of the rites are optional but they are all opportunities to offer grace and strength to our catechumens and candidates to “run the race” well and faithfully.  The Rite of Acceptance, the Rite of Election and the Scrutinies (which take place on the third, fourth and 5^th Sundays of Lent) are not optional. 

I understand that the O.C.I.A. is not a “one size fits all” situation and that the process should be adapted to the needs of the participants each year but are there any qualities which would characterize the “ideal” parish O.C.I.A. process?

The “ideal” O.C.I.A. process will involve a balance of all three aspects of formation: pastoral, catechetical and liturgical. Every phase, rite, ritual and encounter of the R.C.I.A. should include these three aspects of formation.  They are the “three-legged stool” of the process.

Can you explain these three aspects of formation?

1. Pastoral – In order to help our participants to move from an earthly, self-centered orientation (sin) to an intentional life of discipleship in Jesus Christ (ie. seeking holiness) we need to listen to their struggles, questions and concerns; get to know them and build a relationship with them so as to truly accompany them on their journey of faith.
2. Catechetical – We need to provide catechesis that is organic, systematic and complete; catechesis that takes the participant from one who is asking for faith (seeker) to one who fully professes faith (believer).
3. Liturgical – The whole O.C.I.A. process is driven by the liturgy.  We are forming participants into a liturgical people.  We are taking them from being a recipient of the liturgical action of the Church to a “full, conscious and active participant” in the liturgy (full Eucharistic Communion).

How can we tell if we are doing our O.C.I.A. process well?

Fundamentally, the O.C.I.A.  is done well when we get to know the participants and build a relationship with them (pastoral).  We need to teach the faith well to the participants and their sponsors (catechetical).  We need to do the rites and do them well and faithfully (liturgical).

Where can we get more in-depth formation on the O.C.I.A. process and learn how to build, train or grow an O.C.I.A. Team in my parish?

The Secretariat for the New Evangelization can come to your parish and provide in-depth team building training.  We also host a monthly gathering of parish O.C.I.A. leaders via Zoom.  This is a great way to network, ask questions and get feedback and new ideas on how to improve your parish O.C.I.A. process.  Please contact Dcn. Christopher Paul for more information or to schedule an O.C.I.A. Team Building Series.  Dcn. Chris can be reached at (508) 658-9089 or cpaul@dioc-fr.org.

---