Christian Initiation:
coordinators
coordinators
This page is for those who either lead or assist with the Christian initiation of adults at their parish. For the Christian initiation of children of catechetical age (around 7 years old or older), [click here].
Starting Points
The most important resource for you is the OCIA text itself. In this text are all the major and minor rites of the process, along with introductions that explain the process as a whole and each period and step. It is a necessary resource for initiation ministry. You cannot conduct initiation ministry well without this text.
Click the button below to order the OCIA text at a discount from the Office of Divine Worship:
You will find a short list of other recommended resources and curriculum at the bottom of the page.
We also want to emphasize that every journey of faith begins with a conversation (OCIA, National Statutes, Norm 2). Before determining formation, timing, or rites, identify whether this person is:
A catechumen
An uncatechized candidate
A catechized candidate
A baptized, adult Catholic who needs Confirmation and Eucharist
A baptized, adult Catholic who needs one initiation sacrament
The initiation process looks a little different for each kind of person. Misidentifying a person’s status is one of the most common causes of confusion in initiation ministry. A person’s relationship to the Church is the first indication of the best way to proceed.
Here to help
The Parish Support Team is ready to help you to plan, conduct, and renew your Christian initiation process. Here are some of the ways that we can serve you:
- 1-on-1 Support: You define the mentoring relationship. We can meet as often as you need. New initiation ministry coordinators often benefit from meeting every other week. We can also meet once a month, or simply whenever you need something.
- Training: We can train your initiation ministry team on the basics of the ministry or on catechetical methodology. We can also provide workshops on particular topics or needs.
- Strategic Planning: When you’re ready to change your initiation process in big or small ways, we can help you to cast a vision for a renewed initiation ministry and then create a strategy for making that vision a reality.
- Resource Recommendations: We can help you find the curriculum or resource that will meet the needs of your initiation ministry team and the people you serve. Some of these recommendations can also be found below.
- Answering Your Questions: There’s no such thing as a stupid question! Initiation ministry can be complex and difficult to navigate, even for leaders with many years of experience. There is always something new to learn. We are here to answer any questions you may have about this ministry.
If you need something that isn’t listed here, just let us know! You can contact us via the Contact Form on the [OCIA homepage] or email Nicholas Hardesty ([email protected]).
The resources below should at least be a start in further equipping you for initiation ministry.
FAQs FOR Coordinators
Before You Begin
What should we call our process?
We realize that old habits are hard to break, but try not to call your process “OCIA” or “the OCIA process.” OCIA refers to the text that governs the process, not to the process itself. It is a process, not a program, so that’s a helpful word. For insiders, we can refer to “initiation ministry” or “the Christian initiation process” or simply “the initiation process.” That’s the language we use on this web page. For outsiders, you’ll have to be creative. Think about what would make the most sense to someone who isn’t Catholic. “Becoming Catholic” and “Journey of Faith” are popular options. Here are 75 other ideas.
Who is the full Christian initiation process for?
The full Christian initiation process is primarily for catechumens. It is also adapted for uncatechized candidates, which is someone baptized in another ecclesial communion or someone baptized Catholic but lacking Confirmation and Eucharist. Finally, the full initiation process is for adults, and for children around age 7 and above (see Code of Canon Law, Can. 852.1, 97.2).
This means the full process, including the steps for candidates (Rite of Welcoming, Rite of Calling to Continuing Conversion, etc.), is not for catechized candidates. The full process is also not for fully initiated Catholics, nor is it for Catholics missing just one initiation sacrament. A catechized candidate can attend certain elements of the process as their needs require. A Catholic missing one initiation sacrament needs sacramental prep.
What does it mean to be a “catechized” vs. “uncatechized” candidate?
The OCIA text acknowledges that some validly baptized adults “have not yet heard the proclamation of the mystery of Christ” and, if they were baptized Catholic but did not receive catechesis, then they “have not received Confirmation and Eucharist” (OCIA 400). Beyond this, there are no explicit definitions.
When you hear a person’s story about their experience with Christianity, ask yourself, “Was this person raised in the Christian faith, or were they not?” That is the difference between catechized and uncatechized. Prevailing pastoral wisdom indicates that, typically, to be “raised in the Christian faith” means the person prayed and went to worship services at least somewhat regularly, and they received some kind of Christian education, e.g., through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, or Bible reading.
Can catechumens and candidates be formed together?
Yes, they can, but this does not mean their initiation process should look the same. It is true that, for uncatechized candidates, “The plan of catechesis corresponds for the most part to the one set forth for catechumens,” (OCIA 402) and certain rites of the catechumenate may be used for their spiritual benefit (OCIA 406). Nevertheless, “the Priest, Deacon, or catechist should take account of the special condition of these adults who have already been enriched by Baptism” (OCIA 402). Their catechesis should be adapted to them (OCIA 401) and the OCIA provides rites specifically for them (see OCIA, Part II, Chapter V and VI). Formation should respect these differences while fostering community and mutual support. “Equating candidates with catechumens is to be altogether avoided” (OCIA 477, 565).
What is the best book, program, or resource to use for OCIA?
No single resource is best for every parish. The right resource depends on the needs of your catechists, catechumens, and candidates. For example, many parishes find the On the Journey series from Association of Catechumenal Ministry (ACM) to be helpful, while others successfully use different resources. Whatever resource you choose, remember that no curriculum can replace the witness, zeal, and accompaniment of the faithful catechists in the room.
Celebrating the Rites
Who should participate in the Dismissal and when do we do it?
Is the person a catechumen or a candidate? Candidates require a doctrinal and spiritual preparation adapted to individual needs (OCIA 477). For catechized candidates, you could utilize elements of the initiation process or even the other ministries and relationships of the parish. The typical “catechesis catch-up” or “wait until next year” approach is not necessary for them because the full initiation process is not for them, and they can celebrate the Order of Reception Into Full Communion whenever they are ready.
For catechumens or uncatechized candidates, the full initiation process is typically needed. This is when a year-around process (or at least a second process that starts in the winter) is so beneficial. For more on a year-round initiation process, see the next question.
When should the Rite for Entrance be celebrated?
“Those entering the catechumenate are to be received on fixed days during the year in accord with local circumstances” (OCIA 43), once the signs of readiness for this first step are evident (OCIA 42), the inquirer’s motives for conversion have been investigated and purified (OCIA 43), and the outward signs of the inquirer’s spiritual disposition have been discerned (OCIA 43). See OCIA 18 for further guidance on the timing of this rite.
Most parishes schedule the Rite for Entrance on the first Sunday of Advent, but nothing says it has to be on this day, or only on this day. The key is to admit people to the Catechumenate period when they are ready, and this readiness must be discerned on an individual basis.
When is the Rite of Election?
The archdiocesan Rite of Election is normally the First Sunday of Lent (OCIA 19, 126).
Does everyone involved in our initiation process have to become Catholic at the Easter Vigil?
It depends on the group in question. Catechumens should be initiated at the Easter Vigil (OCIA 23). Baptized, adult Catholics “will normally” receive Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil (OCIA 409). Uncatechized candidates can be received into full communion then (OCIA 562), but “more appropriately, often it will be a Mass celebrated with only a few relatives and friends” (OCIA 475.2). Infants may be baptized then, if pastoral considerations suggest this (OCIA 562). Finally, the new OCIA does not mention catechized candidates, but the old National Statutes of the RCIA said they “should not be asked to undergo a full program parallel to the catechumenate,” (RCIA, National Statutes, 31) and so pastoral wisdom recommends that they be received whenever they are ready.
Pastoral Situations
What do I do if someone contacts me to become Catholic late into our initiation process?
Is the person a catechumen or a candidate? Candidates require a doctrinal and spiritual preparation adapted to individual needs (OCIA 477). For catechized candidates, you could utilize elements of the initiation process or even the other ministries and relationships of the parish. The typical “catechesis catch-up” or “wait until next year” approach is not necessary for them because the full initiation process is not for them, and they can celebrate the Order of Reception Into Full Communion whenever they are ready.
For catechumens or uncatechized candidates, the full initiation process is typically needed. This is when a year-around process (or at least a second process that starts in the winter) is so beneficial. For more on a year-round initiation process, see the next question.
How do I implement a year-long Catechumenate period and a year-around initiation process?
There is no single way to do this. You have to be creative and also convinced that this is the best way forward. Some suggested practices include: welcoming inquirers any time of the year; scheduling multiple Rites for Entrance; creating teams who specialize in each period of the process; moving to monthly instead of weekly catechetical sessions; allowing the parish to be the curriculum; utilizing the Dismissal to address topics that some may have missed (as the readings for the day allow); and not ministering to catechumens and candidates in the same way. For more on this, see “Year-Round OCIA and Year-Long Catechumenate.” The “Year-Round” articles from Team Initiation are also helpful.
What do I do if someone says they’ve been baptized but they don’t have a baptismal certificate?
Typically, this can be obtained from the place of baptism. If it cannot be obtained from the place of baptism (e.g., because the church did not keep good records or the church no longer exists), then sometimes the central office of the denomination can help, since if a church closes and there were sacramental records, this is where they might go. If that doesn’t work, then a statement from someone who witnessed the baptism can be obtained (see Code of Canon Law, Can. 876). Photos, videos, or social media posts of the baptism can fill in the details.
If an inquirer needs an annulment, how far into the initiation process is he or she allowed to go?
Norm 7 of the National Statutes says, “While unbaptized persons in irregular marriages can enter the catechumenate, they are not to celebrate the Rite of Election until they are free to enter a canonical marriage.” Norm 2 sets the expectation that an irregular marriage, if present, will be discovered when, “Early in the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate, a parochial minister will meet inquirers individually to … discuss any issues that could affect their eventual celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.” For more on this, see “Statement Concerning the OCIA and Marriage Cases.”
When and how does convalidation enter into Christian initiation ministry?
A convalidation is necessary for a baptized Catholic who marries in a civil ceremony or in a non-Catholic religious ceremony without a dispensation from canonical form. This issue often arises in catechumenal ministry during the initial “intake” interview (see OCIA, National Statutes, Norm 2). In that interview, among other goals, you are determining if the inquirer has any impediments to initiation. If you discover that an inquirer married a Catholic in a lack-of-form ceremony without a dispensation, then this would be an invalid marriage and thus an impediment to initiation. The inquirer would not be able to become Catholic until the marriage in question was convalidated. The spouse would also need this convalidation in order to return to a licit reception of the sacraments.
What about Catholics who want to join us in order to learn more about their faith?
It is tempting to use the initiation process as a form of adult faith formation for Catholics, but we discourage this. The initiation process has specific goals for each period, and the experience must be carefully cultivated to achieve these goals. Catholics who participate as learners often bring different questions and concerns than what catechumens and candidates typically have. While the needs of these Catholics deserve attention, they can unintentionally shift the focus away from those preparing for initiation and disrupt the gradual unfolding of the faith. The answer is not to put more Catholics through the initiation process, but to provide opportunities for evangelization and adult faith formation that are modeled after it.
How do I find sponsors for the catechumens and candidates?
Begin by understanding what is expected of sponsors. Sponsors are not necessarily theologians or perfect saints. They don’t even commit to the entire process (although they can, see OCIA 10). Sponsors are simply ordinary Catholics who accompany through the first two periods, share their relationship with Jesus, answer questions, and intercede in prayer. Setting these realistic expectations makes a yes more likely. For more information, see “Qualifications and Responsibilities for Sponsors in the Initiation Process.”
Also, don’t discern sponsors in isolation. Involve others in this discernment and you can utilize a wider network of relationships. Ultimately, the best way to find sponsors and create new ones is to invest in evangelization and disciple-making. As more parishioners grow as disciples, more potential sponsors (and godparents) become available.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, you can contact us via the Contact Form on the [OCIA page] or email Nicholas Hardesty ([email protected]).
Resources
Recent Summaries and Statements
- Policy on Approved Catechetical Texts for the Formation of Catechumens and the Formation of Candidates for Reception Into Full Communion
- Statement Concerning the OCIA and Marriage Cases
- Archdiocese of Cincinnati Policy on Catholic High Schools and Initiation Ministry
- Qualifications and Responsibilities for Sponsors in the Initiation Process
Older Statements
These statements were issued when the earlier RCIA was in force and under a different archbishop, but the principles they articulate are still sound and they have not been abrogated by any newer statements.
Resources on the New Translation of the OCIA
Suggested Curriculum and Resources
- Team Initiation: Faith, Life, & Creed
- Association of Catechumenal Ministry: On the Journey
- Augustine Institute: Symbolon
- Alpha USA: Alpha Course (for Precatechumenate)
- Lumen Ecclesia Press: Echoing the Mystery
