Our Lady of Sorrows Bernalillo

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Parish

Welcoming New Members into the Fullness of the Catholic Faith

At Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Parish in Bernalillo, New Mexico, we joyfully accompany adults and families who are seeking to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church through a process known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

What is OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is the process established by the Church for individuals who are:

• Unbaptized and seeking to enter the Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
• Baptized in another Christian tradition and now desiring to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Baptized Catholic but have not completed their sacraments of initiation (Confirmation and/or Eucharist).

What's New: RCIA to OCIA

In 2021, the Church in the United States began implementing the updated English translation of the process formerly known as RCIA. The change to OCIA reflects a more faithful rendering of the original Latin title: Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum—"Order of Christian Initiation of Adults."

Why this matters:

• The shift emphasizes that Christian initiation is not just a program, but a sacred journey and liturgical order, deeply rooted in Scripture, prayer, community, and the liturgical life of the Church.
• The process is flexible and adapted to each individual's journey of faith while still grounded in the timeless teaching and sacramental life of the Church.

Catechetical Goals of OCIA

The OCIA process is designed to foster:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rooted in prayer and the sacraments.
• A deep understanding of Catholic teaching, as handed on through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium.
• Spiritual formation within the Catholic community, helping inquirers discern and embrace the fullness of life in Christ and His Church.
• Lifelong discipleship, encouraging newly initiated Catholics to remain active and growing in their faith after the sacraments of initiation.

What Does OCIA Cover?

Participants in OCIA journey through several key stages of formation. Each phase helps deepen their relationship with Christ and understanding of the Catholic faith:

1. Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate (Inquiry)

• An informal time of asking questions, hearing the Gospel, and beginning to explore the Catholic faith.
• Focus on personal stories, prayer, and the call to discipleship.

2. Catechumenate

• A more formal and structured time of learning about the teachings of the Church, rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
• Topics include:
  • The Creed and core beliefs of the Catholic faith
  • The Sacraments and liturgical life
  • Moral living and the Ten Commandments
  • Prayer, especially the Lord’s Prayer, Rosary, and Lectio Divina
  • The life of the Church and the role of the community

3. Purification and Enlightenment

• Occurs during Lent, a time of spiritual preparation leading up to the Easter Vigil, when sacraments of initiation are celebrated.
• Emphasis on interior conversion, examination of conscience, and deeper prayer.

4. Mystagogy

• The post-Easter period of continued formation and integration into the life of the parish.
• A time for reflecting on the sacraments received and living the Christian life as a new member of the Church.

Who Can Join OCIA?

OCIA is open to:

• Adults (18+) who are not baptized
• Adults baptized in other Christian traditions
• Baptized Catholics who have not received Eucharist or Confirmation
• Spouses of Catholics exploring the faith
• Anyone with a sincere desire to learn more about the Catholic Church

Interested in OCIA? We Welcome You!

If you or someone you know is feeling called to explore the Catholic faith, OCIA at Our Lady of Sorrows is here to walk with you. Our community offers prayerful support, guidance, and a loving environment to discover and embrace the richness of Catholic life.

Point of Contact:

Mrs. Rebecca (Becky) Endzel
📞 505-321-1203
📧 beckypak@aol.com

Or call the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Office directly for more information and to register.

Come and see what God has in store for you. Let us walk this journey of faith together.