Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

[1] In many English speaking countries, it is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

[3] Similarly, the Knights of Columbus provides a free correspondence course under the Catholic Information Services (CIS) program.

For those who wish to join, the OCIA process is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation.

There is no set timetable, and those who join the process are encouraged to go at their own pace and to take as much time as they need.

US bishops have said that the process "should extend for at least one year for formation, instruction, and probation" for those who have had no previous experience with living a Christian life.

[8][9][10][11][12] This outline is based upon the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) approved for use in the dioceses of the United States which includes additional rites for various circumstances and combinations.

[13] The numbers shown in the article headings and elsewhere relate to the relevant sections of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved rite.

"It is a time of evangelization: faithfully and constantly the living God is proclaimed and Jesus Christ who he has sent for the salvation of all.

[17] The duties of a sponsor are to journey with the catechumens through the process and provide a compelling witness in matters of faith.

The Catechumenate is an extended period during which the candidates are given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life.

At the Easter Vigil the celebration of the sacraments of initiation takes place, Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion; according to the latest USCCB guidelines, this ceremony is to be reserved for Catechumens, so that no confusion will arise among the congregation about who is becoming a Christian (Catechumens) and who is merely being confirmed as a Catholic (Candidates).

The guidelines also state that the formation process for Candidates—including its length—should be decided on a case-by-case basis and ideally conclude with a Confirmation at a regular Sunday Mass other than (and typically well before) Easter Vigil.

At the Easter Vigil, the Elect celebrate all of the sacraments of initiation; they are thereafter called Neophytes and they are considered to be full members of the Christian faithful.

The outline of this Rite is as follows [218 - 243]: Liturgy of the Word Celebration of Baptism - Renunciation of Sin- Profession of the Catholic Faith by the Catechumens and Candidates Celebration of Confirmation The confirmation can take place at the same time as the baptism, by anointing with the oil immediately after the pouring of the water.