Christian initiation explained

by Fr. Mike Comer
The process by which one joins the Catholic Church is called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). I want to explain the different groups of people that process is designed for.
   
First are the catechumens. These are men and women and children who have never been baptized in any Christian denominations. Some of these may have attended church for a significant part of their lives but never made the decision to be baptized. At the end of the OCIA, they will receive the three Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Second are the candidates. These have been baptized in some other Christian denomination but now wish to enter into full membership in the Catholic Church. At the end of the OCIA, they will be received officially into the Catholic Church and will receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. We normally do not rebaptize these people, because we recognize the baptism celebrated in most non-Catholic denominations. There are a few exceptions, which we work out with each individual.
The third group is referred to as baptized but uncatechized. These were baptized in the Catholic Church as children but were not raised in the Church and were not catechized (taught about the Catholic faith) and did not receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Because they have been baptized, they are Catholic but need preparation to complete their Initiation.
    
If you fall into any of these categories and are interested in becoming Catholic, call me at 859-816-3198.
    
Next week, I will provide more information about this process.
Second are the candidates. These have been baptized in some other Christian denomination but now wish to enter into full membership in the Catholic Church. At the end of the OCIA, they will be received officially into the Catholic Church and will receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. We normally do not rebaptize these people, because we recognize the baptism celebrated in most non-Catholic denominations. There are a few exceptions, which we work out with each individual.

The third group is referred to as baptized but uncatechized. These were baptized in the Catholic Church as children but were not raised in the Church and were not catechized (taught about the Catholic faith) and did not receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Because they have been baptized, they are Catholic but need preparation to complete their Initiation.
   
If you fall into any of these categories and are interested in becoming Catholic, call me at 859-816-3198.
   
Next week, I will provide more information about this process.