St John the Apostle Catholic Church
720 Orchard Hills Dr.
Norwalk, IA 50211
What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, or OCIA, is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church. This process is a return to the formation of the earliest members of the Church in the first and second centuries.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults as a process in which participants "undergo…conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments…The OCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."
Catechumens are those people who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Candidates are people who have been baptized in a Christian tradition but are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation.
All are Welcome!
OCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.
For more information or to register for OCIA, please contact the parish office at 515-981-4855 or email Monica Pugh, Director of Faith Formation at mpugh@stjohnsnorwalk.org.
OCIA is a Journey
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:
List of Services
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Pre-CatechumenateList Item 1
This is the first step in the process to becoming Catholic. It is a time to attend sessions, ask questions, recognize God's presence in my life, begin to pray, and attend Mass on weekends.
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Order of InitiationList Item 2
The Order of Christian Initiation into the Catholic faith has a specific process and path. The next steps are determined by the Inquirer and whether they are baptized or unbaptized.
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CatechumenateList Item 3
The next period of conversion offers the study of Catholic doctrine, the bible, and the catechism of the Catholic Church during regular weekly classes. It is a time to attend Mass, identify questions, seek answers, and begin joining various parish activities. During this period the unbaptized are called Catechumen and the baptized are called Candidates.
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Rite of ElectionList Item 4
During the Rite of Election, Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Following this Rite, the Catechumens are now called Elect and prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation through a period of purification and enlightenment.
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Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the OCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
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Mystagogy
This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful. It is a time to reflect on the gifts given during the sacraments and seek how to share them. It is a time to learn how to remain a strong and faithful Catholic.
OCIA Team
People journeying through the OCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The OCIA team of sponsors help guide, support and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
