ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (OCIA)
Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church or considering becoming a Catholic?
Please read below for more information, click the button to register or email olofrcia@gmail.com and we will get in contact with you.
(Baptisms and Confirmations for adults take place at the Easter Vigil)
Please note that the registration cost for the OCIA Process this year is $175 per person to cover materials and ongoing costs.
Please make the payment to the Parish Support account 02-0108-0707665-00
Particulars: Your Name, Reference: RCIA
Explore the Catholic Faith through the OCIA
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly known as RCIA) is a process for individuals who wish to explore the Catholic faith and enter into the Roman Catholic Church. Whether you are unbaptised, baptised in another Christian denomination, or a baptised Catholic seeking to complete your initiation, the RCIA is designed to support and guide you through your spiritual journey.
Who is the OCIA for?
- Unbaptised Adults: If you have not yet been baptised and are considering joining the Catholic Church, OCIA will prepare you for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
- Baptised Non-Catholic Christians: If you have been baptised in another Christian tradition and wish to become Catholic, OCIA will guide you through the process of receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
- Baptised Catholics: If you have been baptised as a Catholic but have not yet received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, OCIA will help you complete your initiation into the Church.
The OCIA Process
The OCIA process includes several key stages:
- Enquiry (Evangelisation):
This initial stage is a time for exploration and asking questions which takes place during the enquiry sessions on Tuesdays and the Alpha Course which runs on Thursdays (there are two courses a year - one which starts in February and the other in August. For more details on the Alpha course: https://meadowbankcatholic.org.nz/alpha/). It’s an opportunity to learn about the basics of the Christian faith and the Catholic Church and decide if you want to continue the process and go through the Rite of Acceptance into the next stage. - Catechumenate:
During this phase, you will receive more in-depth instruction about Catholic traditions, beliefs and practices through regular classes and active participation in parish life. - Purification and Enlightenment:
This stage occurs during Lent and includes special rites such as the Rite of Election and Scrutinies. It is a time of spiritual preparation and reflection.
- Initiation:
This stage involves receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, typically celebrated during the Easter Vigil. The length of the process varies for different individuals but the sacraments of Initiation take place during the Easter Vigil.
- Mystagogy:
After initiation, this stage focuses on integrating into the Catholic community and continuing your spiritual formation. It involves ongoing education and participation in parish life.
How to Register for OCIA
Interested in joining us or learning more? Here’s how you can get involved:
- Contact Us:
For more information or to register for OCIA, please reach out to us via email olofrcia@gmail.com - Visit Us:
Feel free to visit us at our parish office during the week or attend one of our Sunday Masses to speak with a member of our OCIA team - just let us know earlier so we can be there to meet you.
Why Join RCIA?
- Explore Your Faith: Discover the rich teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.
- Grow Spiritually: Engage in meaningful discussions and deepen your spiritual life.
- Join a Community: Become part of a supportive and welcoming parish family.
OCIA is intended to be a comprehensive, supportive journey that guides individuals through learning, reflection, and participation, preparing them to fully embrace and live out the Catholic faith.
We look forward to walking with you on this exciting journey of faith. For any questions or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for considering entering into the Catholic church, we hope to see you at Our Lady of Fatima soon!