Adult Sacraments
Becoming a Catholic: It’s Your Faith Journey
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process through which adults discern if the Catholic tradition of 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 baptized as a Catholics, and seek to reignite their faith journey and celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist
OCIA Process and Stages
When a person considers becoming a Catholic, we, the Holy Name Faith Community, 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 sponsor. This person meets with the catechumen or candidate outside the cohort gatherings, creating a prayer life and understanding of the Mass, and other aspects of Catholicism that are lived beyond study.
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 ritual 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 to the bishop. Holy Name has a creative way of celebrating this rite, considering that it is the cathedral. Also, candidates can also participate in this rite.
- Rite of Election. The catechumens and candidates, along with those from other archdiocesan parishes, present themselves to one of the archdiocesan bishops. From this point, the catechumens receive the title of Elect, for God has elected them.
- Scrutinies. 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 are baptized at the Easter Vigil. Candidates, who choose to participate, will join them in the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
- Mystagogy. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am not sure that the Baptism my church used is valid?
During the interview, the staff personnel help determine the validity of the baptism. Some Christian denominations do not baptize while others may practice presentations or dedications. Others baptized in adulthood, and in the name of the Trinity; others do not. Either way, a solution will be determined on how to move forward.
What is a sponsor or godparent and how do I get one?
At the Rite of Welcome, the baptized candidate chooses 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. At the Rite of Acceptance, the catechumen can choose two adults as Godparents. The qualifications are the same as the sponsor.
When would I receive my sacraments and become a Catholic?
Catechumens are normally baptized, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass. Candidates make a Profession of Faith, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist. Baptized Catholics are confirmed, and receive the Eucharist. Do not let the timing cause anxiety. At Holy Name Cathedral, we accompany adults throughout the year, and are able to accommodate a variety of situations.
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.
If I am interested, what do I do next?
Set up a time for discussion with Cathedral staff. This is an opportunity to converse on your life journey thus far and help create the appropriate response to your interest. Contact Dr. Kenneth Ortega.
Adult Confirmation Classes
The sessions occur in the winter, with the Mass of Confirmation normally occurring in the Easter Season. Sessions primarily occur in-person, with some online discussions. Participation is mandatory. The director, along with the facilitator, determine completion of the sessions
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 and First Communion certificate are 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. The candidate can also be confirmed under his or her baptismal name.
For more information, please contact Dr. Kenneth Ortega.
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