OCIA

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

“FOLLOW ME …”  (Mark 2:14)

Jesus is calling each of us to a more personal and intimate relationship with Him. The Scriptures tell us that many people responded to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, leaving behind their former ways of life to spread the Good News about the love that God has for each of us.
 
We are extending the same invitation to you, someone in your family, a friend, a neighbour wherever you (they) are in life’s journey. We invite you to get to know us, a community at All Saints Parish of believers who are trying to live the values that Jesus taught us. He didn’t always offer easy answers, but He did give His followers a framework for living that offers peace of mind and heart to all who believe in Him.
 
Are you or someone you know thinking about joining the Catholic Church? Are you wondering what it would be like to be a Catholic Christian? If you have been having these thoughts or simply want more information about the Catholic Church, we invite you to call the ALL SAINTS PARISH OFFICE at 207-725-2624.

The Catholic Church has a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) to help answer the questions you may have. There are four periods in the process.
 
The INQUIRY PERIOD is designed to help you to get acquainted with the Catholic community and the basic tenets of the faith. “Inquirers” attend meetings that are held once a week with members of the RCIA team. They can answer your questions and help you reflect on your life and where God is leading you. The RCIA team is made up of people who have different life experiences, so don’t expect all answers to be the same.
 
There will probably be other inquirers who have the same questions or similar ones that you have. We welcome your questions and hope that you will see us as your friends and companions on the faith journey, and not “travel agents” who know the quickest route. We are all pilgrims on a journey to God that will not end until our time on earth is complete.
 
There is no set amount of time in this or any other period. There is also no pressure to continue. If you decide that RCIA is not what you are seeking at this time, you will find the team very understanding, but always ready to extend an invitation to return if you choose.

If you decide that the RCIA is what you are seeking, a brief description of the other periods involved in the RCIA process follows.
 
In the CATECHUMENATE PERIOD, the Church community formally welcomes you, supports you, and prays for you. You will study Catholic doctrine/dogma more deeply, and meet Jesus Christ more intimately. You will hear the Word of God proclaimed during the Sunday Mass and then reflect on God’s Word and what it means in your own life.
 
During LENT, you will learn about the power of prayer in your life, the sacraments, and look more deeply at how you can experience life more fully as a disciple of Jesus. You’ll be formally presented to the bishop and experience rituals of commitment and strengthening. At the Easter Vigil, you will celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and be welcomed into full communion with the Church.
 
During the final period, MYSTAGOGIA ( a Greek word meaning entering more deeply into the mysteries), you will learn about the wonderful gifts God has given to you and how you can share these gifts with your faith community and beyond. Even though this is considered the final period in RCIA, it is by no means the end of the journey. Our Faith Formation is lifelong!
 
At this point, we hope you have joined one of the worship sites at All Saints Parish and will soon feel a sense of ownership. Your Church becomes an extension of your home, a family who believes and who shares.

We invite you to fill out the form below or call the ALL SAINTS PARISH OFFICE at
 207-725-2624 for more information.