Order of Christian Initiation of Adult (OCIA) program
It is one year program from the end of August to Easter.
The class is normally on Tuesday from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. However, it is subject to change according to the need of the attendants.
All those who are not baptized and wanted to become Catholic (Catechumens)
All those who are baptized at different Christian denominations (Candidates) and wanted to become Catholics
All those who are baptized adult Catholics or senior HS Catholic students but not catechized in the Catholic Faith and wanted to receive First Communion and/or Confirmation.
This rite will take place outside of Mass or during Mass on weekday or weekend before First Sunday of Lent (sometime in February) at the local parish.
will apply only to those who are not baptized.
Sponsor should be present at the Rite.
Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names
This Rite of Election is for Catechumens who are to be admitted to the sacrament of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.
This Rite is celebrated by Bishop (or his delegate) in one of the parishes within the diocese of Austin during the Mass of the First Sunday of Lent.
In special circumstance, Bishop may delegate to the pastor to administer at the local parish.
will apply only to those who are not baptized.
Sponsor should be present at the Rite.
First Scrutiny
The First Scrutiny will be celebrated during the Mass of the Third Sunday of Lent. The Gospel of the Samaritan Woman is always read. (Reading year A cycle)
The catechumens (elects) will be dismissed from the Mass after the homily to reflect upon the word of God, particularly the Gospel of the Samarian Woman.
will apply only to those who are not baptized.
Presentation of the Creed
It takes place during the week after the first scrutiny at daily Mass in the presence of a community of the faithful.
will apply only to those who are not baptized.
Second Scrutiny
It will be celebrated during the Mass of the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The Gospel of the man born blind is always read (reading year A cycle)
The catechumens (elects) will be dismissed from the Mass after the homily to reflect upon the word of God, particularly the Gospel of the man born blind.
will apply only to those who are not baptized.
Third Scrutiny
It will be celebrated during the Mass of the Fifth Sunday of Lent. The Gospel of Jesus raising Lazarus is always read (reading year A cycle)
The catechumens (elects) will be dismissed from the Mass after the homily to reflect upon the word of God, particularly the Gospel of Jesus raising Lazarus.
will apply only to those who are not baptized.
Presentation of the Lord’s prayer
It takes place during the week after the Third scrutiny at daily Mass in the presence of a community of the faithful.
will apply only to those who are not baptized.
Easter Vigil
The catechumens will be received the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
The candidates will be fully received into the Church by profession of the Catholic faith and received the Sacrament of Confirmation and Holy Communion
Special note:
Baptized Catholics in this Order of Christian Initiation of Adult (OCIA) program class will be received the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Communion by Bishop at the different time when Bishop (or his delegate) administer the Sacrament of Confirmation at the parish or the parishes nearby.
For more information, please contact Bonnie Humphrey at [email protected] or 512-217-4278