Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)  

Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, the Order of Christian Initiation at Holy Name Cathedral is a year round catechumenate.  We accompany inquirers throughout the year, with the intention of bringing them together as a cohort for full communion with the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil.  Recognizing that each journey is unique, we accompany with each person, according to his or her needs. For more information, contact Dr. Ken Ortega, kortega@holynamecathedral.org

It is the tradition at Holy Name that each cohort is dedicated to the patronage of a saint.  For those preparing for either initiation or full communion at Easter 2024, the team as chose Blessed Carlo Acutis as the patron.

Please pray for the Carlo Acutis Cohort

Catechumens (Seeking Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)

Andrew Benjamin, Michael Benning, Jacob Cingano, Jennifer      Lacki Frisbie, Abbey Landini, Sarah Manley, Max Malec, Brooke Morgan, Tiana Pigford, Elijah Roche, Eliana Salvaggio, Martell Walker, Anastasia Watson, Charisma Wills, Evan Wolf, Crystal Wu

Candidates (Baptized non-Catholics seeking Profession of Faith, Confirmation, and Eucharist)

Cameron Collier, Patrice Dziire, Jack Hennessey, Conner Phillips, Rahnamapour Mahna, Cole Sinkford, David Zimmerman

Candidates (Baptized Catholics seeking Confirmation and Eucharist)

Anthony Contreras, Cornell Neace, Adlin Panzimo, Collin Van Cylk

Who is Blessed Carlo Acutis?

Born in 1991, Carlo grew up in an affluent, yet nonreligious household.  Yet from the moment of his reception of the Eucharist at age of seven, Carlo faithfully attended Mass on a daily basis.  In his daily interactions, he defended those who bullied, and accompanied friends who parents were in the process of divorce.  He actively picked up trash, cared for a mini ark of pets, prayed for others, and befriended children and adults without prejudgment.

Noteworthy was his skill in computer technology; skills congruent to college level comprehension.  Through social media he evangelized to those searching for purpose, seeking strength in faith journeys, and cataloguing Eucharistic miracles and resources.

Diagnosed with fulminant leukemia, Carlo died in 2006, at the age of 15 years.  He is buried in the a pair of Nikes, jeans, and tracksuit jacket.  In 2020, Carlo Acutis was declared “Blessed” by Pope Francis, one step away from sainthood.

All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies…Blessed Carlo Acutis

Becoming a Catholic/OCIA:  It’s Your Faith Journey

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process through which adults discern if the Catholic tradition of the Christian life is appropriate for them. Through discussions, prayers, and reflection, we accompany the person on this journey of faith, allowing each person to develop a relationship with God.

This process fosters the spiritual needs of the following persons:

• Those adults never baptized, who seek to become Catholic,
• Those adults baptized in another Christian church, who seeks to be Catholic.
• Those adults already baptized as Catholic, but who have not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

When a person considers becoming a Catholic, we, the community of Holy Name Cathedral, welcome him or her to begin the process from the moment of Inquiry. For us, OCIA is not a program, based on the school calendar.  Rather, it is a process, allowing an Inquirer to begin discernment at any time.  This perspective also allows each person, along with the team, to determine the length of the process.  Each person has a unique relationship with God, and our team’s objective is to accompany each person on that journey.

Eventually, inquirers will join a cohort of others in discernment.  Christianity is a communal faith tradition, recognizing the wisdom of the group.  At certain points, the team offers persons the invitation to advance through certain stages of the process:

• Inquiry/Precatechumenate is the initial stage, whereby adults ask questions, share concerns, enhance a prayer life, and determine if Catholicism fulfills their spiritual desires.
• Inquirers determine if they wish to move forward in the journey. If so, they participate in the Rite of Acceptance for unbaptized inquirers, who thereafter are referred to as catechumens.  There is also a Rite of Welcome for baptized Christians, who thereafter are known as candidates.
• In both cases, each catechumen and candidate chooses or is given a spiritual companion, known as a
• Catechumenate is the next stage whereby there is a more profound study of Catholicism.
  • With the consent of the team and sponsors, candidates may make a profession of faith to the Catholic Church, at any time in the catechumenate.
  • The OCIA process focuses on the catechumens, provides a series of rites and rituals for a unique initiation into the Catholic Faith, and begins in the Season of Lent.
    • Rite of Sending. The local congregation sends the catechumens to the cathedral and presented them to the bishop.  Holy Name has a creative way of celebrating this rite, considering that it is the cathedral.  Also, candidates can also participate
    • Rite of Election. The catechumens and candidates, along with those from other archdiocesan parishes, present themselves to the archbishop.  From this point, the catechumens receive the title of Elect, for God has elected them.
    • The Elect and candidates, who choose to experience this ritual, participate in three weeks of intense prayer and reflection, purging obstacles that may inhibit their desire to be full members of the Church.
    • Easter Vigil/Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. After weeks of preparation, the Elect is baptized at the Easter Vigil.  Candidates, who choose to participate, will join them in the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
    • This post-initiation stage allows the new Catholics to unpack the experience, address questions that may arise only at this point of becoming Catholic, and discover ways of solidifying the foundations for a Catholic lifestyle.

What if I am not sure that the Baptism my church used is valid?

During the interview, the staff personnel helps determine the validity of the baptism.  Some churches do not baptize while others may practice presentations or dedications.  These may not necessarily be baptism.  Either way, a solution will be determined on how to move forward,

What is a sponsor, and how do I get one?

At the Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcome, each catechumen or candidate should have a spiritual companion who will walk the journey with him or her. This adult, who is baptized, confirmed, and receives the Eucharist, accompanies the person on the journey, gently guiding him or her to a genuine experience of the Catholic lifestyle. You may have someone in mind, or we can recommend a person.

If I am interested, what do I do next?

Set up a time for discussion with staff personnel.  Please do not complete the inquirer form until you have completed the discussion.  Contact Dr. Kenneth Ortega, kortega@holynamecathedral.org

Do I need to be prepared in any way?

There is always apprehension in venturing into the unknown.  You need only come with an open mind and heart.  We will help you along the way.  Trust that God will guide you, and we will do our part.

After I meet with Dr. Ortega, what is the next step?

Once you have met with Dr. Ortega, he will instruct you on the next step.

ADULT CONFIRMATION

If you are over the age of 18, baptized Catholic, regularly attending Mass and receiving Communion, and think God is calling you to deepen your faith and make an adult commitment to it, you may be feeling the call to the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Registration for our Winter 2024 Class is OPEN – Click here to register

ADULT CONFIRMATION- Vicariate 3 Opportunity at Holy Name Cathedral

Candidate

There is reason why a Catholic may not have been confirmed.  What matters is your willingness to complete the Sacrament of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion).  Holy Name Cathedral offers an English-speaking eight-session opportunity for adults, 19 years old+, to prepare for Confirmation for those residing in the Vicariate 3.

This preparation is for baptized Catholics who have already received First Communion.  If you are a baptized Catholic, seeking Confirmation and First Communion, please consult your local parish for the process of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.  Parents/guardians of minors should consult their local church.

The registration fee is $75.  In addition, a copy of the adult’s Baptismal certificate is required for sacramental records at the cathedral.  Holy Name sends a letter stating completion of the sacrament to the church of your baptism.

Sponsors

Each candidate chooses an adult who is willing to accompany him or her on this journey of faith.  Beyond the basic requirements of being Catholic, over the age of 16, and completion of the Sacraments of Initiation, the sponsor should be available to answer questions that arise from the session, and accompany you to Mass during the preparation.  The sponsor may be either man or a woman.  A parent or stepparent cannot serve as a sponsor.

Confirmation Name

Although not required, a candidate may choose to take confirmed name, in honor of a Catholic saint, male or female.  This saint should serve as a spiritual mentor, emulating certain life experiences, talents, or advocacy.  If no saint is chosen, the candidate is confirmed under his or her baptismal name.

Confirmation 2024

The eight-week session begins Thursday, February 22, 2024.  The sessions will be a combination of in-person and online discussions.  Bishop Robert Lombardo will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation, Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Register online https://holyname.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/490/responses/new

For more information, please contact Dr. Kenneth Ortega,kortega@holynamecathedral.org