Christian Initiation

In response to the Great Commission, we are called to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,” and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded us. Christian Initiation is the process in which one becomes a disciple of Christ Jesus in the Catholic Church. Formed in a personal relationship with Christ, an individual is catechized (i.e., instructed) in the Catholic faith, invited to participate in the church community where faith is lived, and then prepared for reception into the Catholic Church with the reception of the sacraments.

For those unbaptized, following a period of inquiry, they enter into the catechumenate and become Catechumens in the Church, being formed and prepared for reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. For those baptized Christians that belong to an ecclesial community outside of the Catholic Church, but who are seeking to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, a similar process is followed that respects and takes into account the dignity of their baptism and any prior formation they may have received in the ecclesial community in which they were originally formed. These persons are Candidates for Full Communion and are formed and prepared to receive the sacraments of Penance, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

The formal process and rites used to accept the unbaptized and welcome baptized Christians into the Catholic Church is known as the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA formerly Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults or RCIA).

Chistian Initiation of School Age Children

Christian Initiation Resources

A Guide to Navigating the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)

FAQ Sheet for Christian Initiation

Guidance for the Plan for Sacramental Preparation for School Age Children

Resource for Preparing Children for Christian Initiation

Christian Initiation of Adults

Extensive information and guidance to assist parishes with the Christian of Adults may be found on the website for Office for Divine Worship.