The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

What is the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)?

In short, it is what used to be called the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)". This is the process that adults and children older than age seven journey in order to be baptized, become Catholic, or complete their sacraments if they did not do so when they were children. This process is rooted in the history of the early Church is steeped in the rich tradition of our faith. 

The shift from "Rite" to "Order" has two main purposes: to more accurately reflect the nature of the process as a journey rather than something that happens all at once as well as to offer a broader term that incorporates the various rites that are included on the journey (e.g. the Rite of Acceptance and the Rite of Election). 

The process itself remains very much the same, with small adjustments or emphasis being placed on certain aspects like timing and its relationship with the liturgy. As St. William's program already follows most of the new norms and recommendations, we do not anticipate many changes, but are waiting to see the full OCIA book when it is available. We hope this brings some understanding to the new language that is being used.