O.C.I.A. stands for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults or O.C.I.C. stands for Order of Christian Initiation for Children. This program is a journey by which a person is initiated into the Catholic Church, through the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Through this formation process the person is formed in the Christian faith, with the local parish community serving as both catechists and models.
Who is in the O.C.I.A.?
–Unbaptized person
–A person baptized in non-Trinitarian formula
–A person baptized as Catholic, but lacking First Holy Communion and Confirmation
–A person baptized and confirmed as infants in the Catholic Church, but lacking First Holy Communion
–A person baptized in other Christian Churches, in the Trinitarian formula with water
The decision to accept baptism, or to become a Catholic, or to complete one’s Catholic initiation must be the free will of each person. The Catholic Church does not coerce, guilt, nor do we manipulate this decision.
Regardless of a person’s age or circumstances, the Church is tasked with the duties, rights and responsibilities to ensure that each individual meets the requirements set out by the Code of Canon Law (the Law of the Catholic Church), as well as publicly demonstrates the desire, readiness, and lifestyle that reflects acceptance and understanding of the Gospel and becoming a member of the Catholic Church.
O.C.I.A. is a discernment and preparation process, not an adult education lecture series or catechism for Catholics seeking to refresh their own knowledge of the faith. Adult Catholics seeking to learn more about the faith should inquire into Adult Education opportunities offered in the parish. To learn more about these events, please look under the Religious Education….Adult Formation tab on this website; school age students should inquire through our Religious Education….CCD tab on the website or consult the parish bulletin.
The difference between this program and the adult program is that it will be designed specifically for the child’s age and formation experience. Depending on the child’s age, after O.C.I.C. the child may need to enroll in the Religious Education Program to continue his or her faith formation.
Want to find out more? It is just a phone call or email away. Please contact Holy Trinity Parish’s Director of Religious Education by calling the Parish Office at (330) 385-7131 or send an email to ccdholytrinity@gmail.com May God bless you on your journey!