The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) recently approved National Statutes for the Christian Initiation of Adults which requires the unbaptized to remain in formation for two years or more. Read the full text.
The Catholic Church warmly welcomes those who seek to become Roman Catholic Christians.
The ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (OCIA) is the process through which adults are initiated into the Christian faith community and way of life and specifically into the Roman Catholic faith tradition. Rather than simply being a “course of instruction”, the OCIA is an immersion into a Christ-centered way of living.
The process is concerned with the total formation of the person into BELIEVING with the church community (doctrinal formation), PRAYING with the church community (liturgical formation), and SERVING with the church community (apostolic formation). This gradual process of conversion of our minds and hearts to God and the ways of God develops at the invitation of the Lord, over time, through learning by experiencing and sharing together the call of God in one’s life to relationship with the Lord, and to faithful and faith-filled discipleship with other adult seekers in the community of faith. Participants are invited to reflect on their life experience, on the Word of God in the sacred scriptures, on the teachings of the Catholic Church and to share with other believers in the public and private prayer of the Church. The OCIA process encourages an ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ and the Good News of the Gospel and growth in one’s relationship with God and neighbor. This process culminates in the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter.
The OCIA respects the faith development of each person while nurturing and fostering the call to faith and commitment to live as a follower of the Lord. The timeline for the reception of the sacraments is flexible and based upon individual needs and the circumstances of one’s life. Each prospective new Catholic is assisted in the process of discerning their readiness to embrace Catholicism and to receive the sacraments of the Church by the OCIA Director, team members, sponsors and parish companions.
If you, or someone you know, (perhaps a family member or a friend) is interested in the OCIA process or would like to ask questions, please contact Justyna Baustert via email – justyna@stpetergreeley or at the office 970-939-5872
ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR CHILDREN
7 years old or older
Process lasts at least 2 years for children who are not baptized, or baptized in another Christian faith
Children learn the tenets of the Catholic Faith, Salvation History, prayer and the moral life and are prepared for baptism, confirmation, reconciliation and first holy communion.
REQUIREMENTS
Regular group attendance and participation (parent and child)
Regular Mass attendance on Sunday (or Saturday evening) and Holy Days of Obligation.
Complete assignments
ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS
18 years old or older
Process lasts at least 1 year for adults who are baptized in another Christian faith
Process lasts at least 2 years for adults who are not baptized.
Adults learn about the tenets of the Catholic Faith, Salvation History, prayer and the moral life and are prepared for baptism, confirmation, reconciliation and first holy communion.
REQUIREMENTS
Regular group attendance and participation
Regular Mass attendance on Sunday (or Saturday evening) and Holy Days of Obligation.
Completing assignments
Show signs of interior conversion and striving to live a virtuous life
The length of the program is based on each person’s readiness and desire to receive the sacraments as well as sincere change in their way of life:
• fundamental understanding of Christian teaching
• developed habit of prayer
• progressive change of outlook and conduct
• profound sense of the mystery of salvation
• desire to participate in God’s salvific work
If you are a sponsor and are mentoring someone who is in the process of coming into full union with the Catholic Church, please fill out the Letter of Good standing form and have it signed by your pastor.
We will also need a copy of your confirmation certificate and marriage certificate if you are married.