The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA): A Process, Not a Program

Course Summary

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly the RCIA) is the process through which people are prepared, baptized and received as full members of the Catholic Church. Students will discover the renewed vision of the process in the 2024 translation and pastoral considerations to implement it in local communities.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.

General Course Objectives

• Students will be able to recognize the overall OCIA process and understand six pastoral principles needed for good implementation.
• Students will discover who belongs in the OCIA process, as well as appropriate formation paths for different participants.
• Students will differentiate pastoral practices suitable for the Period of Evangelization & Pre-Catechumenate from catechetical practices appropriate in the Catechumenate.
• Students will explore preparation for and celebration of the rites of Purification and Enlightenment, Sacraments of Initiation and identify strategies for carrying out Mystagogy.
• Students will appreciate the roles of ministers and the community in the initiation and ongoing support of new members.

Course Materials

• No books required. All readings are online.

Course Structure and Highlights

• Week 1: Christian Initiation of Adults: The Vision of the Church
  • Students will be able to recognize the overall OCIA process and understand six pastoral principles needed for good implementation.
• Week 2: Discernment and Pastoral Consideration of Participants
  • Students will discover who belongs in the OCIA process, as well as appropriate formation paths for different participants.
• Week 3: Period of Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate, Period of Catechumenate
  • Students will differentiate pastoral practices appropriate for the Period of Evangelization & Pre-Catechumenate from catechetical practices appropriate in the Catechumenate.
• Week 4: Period of Purification and Enlightenment, Initiation, Period of Mystagogy
  • Students will explore preparation for and celebration of the rites of Purification and Enlightenment and Sacraments of Initiation, then identify strategies for carrying out Mystagogy.
• Week 5: The Role of the Community in the Initiation Process
  • Students will appreciate the roles of a team of ministers and the community in the initiation and ongoing support of new members.

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