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THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
OF CHILDREN
God has placed in our hearts a longing to seek and find him. St. Augustine says, "You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." ... A person is not completely himself until he has found God. "Anyone who seeks truth seeks God, whether or not he realizes it" (St. Edith Stein).
(YOUCAT, 3)
The Order of Christian Initiation of Children
The Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) is a process of initiation for children and their family into the Catholic Community of Faith. This is for children in grades 4th - 12th who are seeking baptism in the Catholic Church or full communion with the Catholic tradition through the Profession of Faith, reception of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. More than simply preparing for the sacraments, OCIC is designed to foster ongoing conversion in children and their families through the study of the Gospel, Catholic teaching, Christian values, prayer, and active participation in the life of the Church. If you are interested, please contact Blake Richards!
Who Should Attend?
Families with children from grades 4 and up who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith and preparing for Baptism.
Families of children baptized in another Christian tradition who are considering becoming Catholic.
- Families of baptized Catholic children who have not yet received First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, or Confirmation.
Why?
God is always calling all of us to Himself; over time and in stages we grow both in knowledge and in deeper understanding of who God is and who we are in Him. The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is designed specifically for those who, "after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God's help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully." (OCIA Study Edition, 1)
The Five Stages
1. Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate — At this time participants are encouraged to ask questions and to explore the basic tenets of the Catholic faith and to reflect upon these in light of their own life experiences.
2. The Catechumenate — This period is dedicated to the nurturing and growth of faith and conversion to God, helping participants and their families deepen their relationship with Christ and the Church.
3. Purification and Enlightenment — For those preparing for baptism, this stage takes place during the season of Lent where families and their children reflect upon their own faith experiences in a more intentional, and prayerful way. Also during this period, baptized candidates reflect more deeply upon the meaning of their baptism and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation.
4. Sacraments of Initiation — Candidates for baptism celebrate their initiation into the Church on the holiest of nights–the Easter Vigil — where they are baptized, confirmed and receive Holy Eucharist. Candidates for full communion celebrate their Rite of Reception several other times throughout the year.
5. Mystagogia — This is a time for candidates and their families to reflect upon their experiences of being brought into new life in the Catholic Church and to find their place in the ordinary life of faith.