OCIA - The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (formerly known as RCIA) is a process that helps people come to know and grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and formally join His Church.  

Who is OCIA for? 
 It is for those, over the age of 7, who wish to be Initiated into the Catholic church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, as well as those who were Baptized in another Christian tradition who wish to join the full communion of the Catholic church.

The most important thing to know is that while the destination is the same for all those seeking to enter the church the journey may be different for each. In general people go through the following steps but the length of time which it takes for someone to go through the process depends upon their own personal journey of faith.
 As we often tell people, " Whenever you are ready to say yes to God it is the right time". 

In General what is the process like at Annunciation Parish? 
      Usually those interested in going through OCIA meet with our director of religious education Mrs. Sweeney to discuss where they are on their journey of faith, and to get some of their initial questions about the Catholic Church answered. This time of inquiry may be relatively brief or last several months depending upon an individual's questions and circumstances.
      Once they feel ready to make a commitment they may join our regularly scheduled weekly sessions which will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning September 18th. During these sessions we will explore the scriptures and doctrines of the catholic church, and how they apply to our every day lives.  These sessions are lead by a group of volunteer catechists and include all those who are preparing to receive the sacraments. The schedule for these meetings is usually set based on the availability of those who will be participating.     
      On the first Sunday of Lent those who are ready to receive the Sacraments at Easter go to the Cathedral to participate in the Rite of Election or the Call to Continuing Conversion. This is a special blessing from the Bishop which is mean to fortify them as they enter their final preparation.
      At the Easter Vigil those who are ready receive their sacraments and enter into a new life of discipleship.  Following Easter the newly initiated continue to meet for several weeks to be supported in their new lifestyle as Catholics.  
      For additional details about the OCIA process in general please follow the link below to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's Website.

What about for Children and Teens? 
 There can be any number of reasons why a child has not received his or her sacraments at the same time as their peers and we are not here to judge. Our OCIA program for children 7 + aims to help families bridge the gap and help you and your family connect or reconnect with the Church.  Whether your older child needs to receive Baptism and/or Eucharist and Reconciliation we will be happy to work with your family to prepare your child to receive the grace of the sacraments.  We meet with each family to assess their needs and lay out a program of preparation for the sacraments that works for their family's schedule. The process is similar to that offered for adults but tailored to the needs of families. 

If God is moving your heart to explore the Catholic Church, please contact:

Mrs. Sweeney
at 978-632-0253 ext. 117
or use the form below to email.