Adult Initiation

The Duties of parents (CCC 2223– 2226) (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

“Parents have the FIRST responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues.

Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child's earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God.

The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents.

OCIA Process

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of conversion to Jesus Christ and the design of God he proclaimed. The OCIA process has four steps:

Pre-Catechumenate /Inquiry

This is a time for those interested in the Catholic Church have an opportunity for inquiry and introduction to gospel values. This is also a time for the community to listen and answer questions.

The Catechumenate

During this time, catechumens (adults starting the RCIA process) are instructed in the faith, participate in community activities, join with the community in prayer and worship, and work actively with the community in the apostolic life of the Church.

Period Before Initiation

This is the period of time, usually during Lent, that is a time of immediate preparation for the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation

This liturgical rite is usually part of the Easter Vigil. The elect are baptized and confirmed then they are invited to share Eucharist for the first time.