Becoming Catholic: A Guide to OCIA & OCIC

Our Lady of the Pillar Parish & Academy | Archdiocese of San Francisco

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and Children (OCIC) is a journey of formation, prayer, and rituals for those seeking to join the Roman Catholic Church. It is a flexible process adapted to the needs of school families, allowing them to proceed at their own pace before receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

Who is this Process For?

The OCIA/OCIC is open to anyone seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is specifically designed for three groups:

Catechumens: Persons (ages 7+) who have never been baptized.
Candidates: Christians baptized in another denomination who wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Candidates (Catholic): Adults baptized Catholic who need to complete their initiation (seeking Confirmation and/or the Eucharist).

The Four Stages of Initiation:

I. Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate ("Inquiry")

This acts as a "Come and See" period. Individuals explore their relationship with Christ and the Church without formal commitment.

The Transition: When ready, the individual celebrates a liturgical rite to publicly state their intention to follow God's call.
- For the Unbaptized: Rite of Acceptance (They become "Catechumens").
- For the Baptized: Rite of Welcoming (They are called "Candidates").

II. Period of Catechumenate

This is an extended time of learning and growth. Candidates and Catechumens receive pastoral formation based on Sacred Scripture and Catholic Tradition.

"The time spent in the catechumenate should be long enough – for the conversion and faith of the catechumens to become strong." (RCIA Source Book #76)

III. Period of Purification and Enlightenment

Coinciding with Lent, this is a period of intense spiritual preparation, reflection, and prayer rather than academic study. A retreat is typically offered during this time.

Rite of Election (For Catechumens): Celebrated by the Bishop at the Cathedral. Catechumens are enrolled as the "Elect."
Call to Continuing Conversion (For Candidates): Celebrated by the Bishop, affirming the candidates' desire for full communion.
The Scrutinies: Three rites celebrated at the parish level to help the Elect deepen their desire for salvation and understanding of sin.

IV. Period of Mystagogy

This is the culmination of the process where the Sacraments of Initiation are received, usually at the Easter Vigil.

The Elect (Unbaptized): Receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Candidates (Baptized): Receive Confirmation and the Eucharist to complete their initiation.

Key dates & locations

Catechumenates, Candidates, Sponsors & Godparents

Catechumens are unbaptized persons who desire to be fully incorporated into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Candidates are those who have been baptized in the Christian faith and are seeking full communion in the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Proof of valid baptism in a recognized Christian denomination (by way of a certificate of baptism or letter of verification from one’s pastor or church of baptism) is required of all candidates.

Sponsors: It is assumed that each catechumen and candidate has what we might call a “primary” sponsor. This is someone who has been instrumental in their life by way of example, words of encouragement, or lengthy discussions. It might be a close friend, a co-worker, a spouse or other family member, and it could be a number of different people. In addition, Saint Luke assigns a “parish” sponsor. This would be a parishioner who is a practicing Catholic and in good standing with the Church. This sponsor attends all the meetings and discussions, and participates in the various Masses and rituals with the catechumens and candidates.

The sponsor studies and prays with the catechumen or candidate and encourages them to persevere in their faith. The sponsors are also on their own journey of faith, as they learn and explore more about the Catholic Church alongside the rest of the RCIA team.

Catechumens will also need to choose a godparent or godparents for baptism. Often this is the sponsor that has journeyed with them throughout the year, though it may also be someone else outside the parish. Godparents must be fully initiated adult Catholics who will be good role models in the future life of the catechumen.

Sponsors are typically practicing, confirmed Catholics who are at least 18 years old, are mature in their faith, and can serve as a witness to the catechumen's spiritual journey by praying for them and accompanying them to sessions and Mass.

Who can be a sponsor

Minimum age: At least 18 years old.
Faith: Must be a confirmed Catholic and a mature person of faith.
Life: Should reflect Catholic Christian values in their daily life.
Character: Must be friendly, trustworthy, and a good listener.
Connection to the parish: Should be an active member of the parish of the catuchumen or candidate, though this isn't always required.

What a sponsor does:

Accompanies the catechumen: Walks with the person on their spiritual journey.
Prayers: Prays for the catechumen every day.
Participates in formation: Attends Mass with the catechumen.
Offers guidance: Helps the catechumen discover the Church in a practical, day-to-day way.
Maintains contact: Meets with the catechumen regularly.
Integrates into the community: Intentionally invites the catechumen to participate in the communal life of the Church.

Choosing a Confirmation Saint