By God's help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully. (OCIA Introduction, 1)

For the unbaptized, the OCIA gradually uncovers the story of God’s salvation for all, the mystery of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and the workings of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the beliefs, sacramental life, and spiritual practices of the Catholic Church.

The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful, in accordance with the Church’s liturgical year. Together with the catechumens, the faithful reflect upon the value of the paschal mystery, renew their own conversion, and by their example lead the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously. (#4)

The process normally takes at least a year, with the three sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist - received at the Easter Vigil.

For Baptized Christians who seek full communion with the Catholic Church, the OCIA includes a period of formation in Catholic belief, rites and pastoral practice (OCIA Part II: sections 4 and 5). The process takes only as long as necessary, and may be similar in some ways to that of the unbaptized persons, but is different in that it is not Easter-focused.

For Baptized Catholics who have received no other faith formation and have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, the OCIA mentions pastoral practices to become a fully initiated Catholic (OCIA Part II, section 4). They may follow a process similar to that of other Christians.

Are you confused by some of the terms, names, objects, rites, etc. used in the OCIA process? Here’s a glossary that might help.

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