Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

“Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process through which individuals become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist.

OCIA is a journey of faith and conversion that involves learning about the Catholic Church’s beliefs, practices, and life. It includes not only those seeking to join the Church but also members of their parish communities, who are called to accompany them and who, it is hoped, experience a renewal of faith along with them.

Stages of OCIA

There is no set length of time for OCIA, but it involves several stages, beginning with the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate, which is a time of inquiry and initial discovery. That is followed by the Period of the Catechumenate, during which those who feel called to enter the Church learn more about it. This most often involves regular meetings with and instruction from members of a parish's OCIA team.

When the individual, the priest, and the parish OCIA team believe someone is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, he or she is then presented to the bishop during the Rite of Election.

Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion

Traditionally held on the first weekend of Lent, the Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates are important steps for those journeying to the Catholic faith, marking the beginning of their final preparation for reception of the sacraments at Easter.

Catechumens are those who have never been baptized in any Christian tradition, while candidates are those who have been baptized in another Christian faith but who have not received the other initiation sacraments of confirmation and first Eucharist.

What happens during the Rite of Election?

During the Rite of Election, catechumens, accompanied by their godparents, stand before the bishop who, representing the Church, inquires as to whether they are sufficiently prepared to enter the Church. Receiving acknowledgement from the godparents that they have listened and responded to God's word and have begun to walk in God's presence, the bishop then addresses the assembly, receiving assurance of parishioners' willingness to support the catechumens.

The catechumens themselves then affirm their desire for baptism and to be enrolled among the “Elect,” those chosen by God and his Church. The catechumens' names are entered into their parish’s Book of the Elect, which the bishop signs.

What happens during the Call to Continuing Conversion?

Similar to what happens during the Rite of Election, parish representatives present to the bishop those who are candidates -- individuals wishing to complete their Christian initiation and to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

The candidates’ sponsors attest that the individuals have listened to the apostles’ instruction proclaimed by the Church, have come to a deeper appreciation of their baptism, have reflected sufficiently on the traditions of the Church, and have advanced in a life of love and service to others.

The assembly then acknowledges they will support the candidates on their journeys, after which the bishop, on behalf of the Church, formally recognizes their desire to receive the sacraments.

Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion 2025 Dates and Locations

Saturday, March 8 at 4 p.m.
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 333 Main Street, Presque Isle

Sunday, March 9, at 10:30 a.m.
St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow

Sunday, March 9, at 5 p.m.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland

Registration for participants takes place through the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation using this form.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

The days of Lent are a period of final preparation for members of the Elect and for candidates. It should be marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction.

The Elect and candidates most often receive the initiation sacraments during Easter Vigil Masses at their individual parishes.

Mystagogy

Those newly received into the Church, referred to as neophytes, experience a period of the post-baptismal catechesis known as mystagogy. It is during this time that they settle into their parish communities and become active members.

Neophyte Mass

During this period, all the neophytes, along with their godparents or sponsors and members of their faith communities, are invited to gather in celebration with the bishop. The annual Neophyte Mass will be held on Saturday, May 31, at 4 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland