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The OCIA Process
Step by StepStep I. The Period of Inquiry
- Are you looking into the Catholic Church?
- Interested in learning more, to help you in your discernment?
- This is a time to gather some basic information about the Catholic faith, and the chance to ask any questions you have.
During this Inquiry period we bring our questions, doubts, concerns to the surface. More importantly, however, we start to become more aware of God at work in our lives. This phase ends with a day of reflection and the Celebration of the Rites of Welcome and Acceptance.
Step II. The Catechumenate
The Catechumenate consists of weekly gatherings for those who have made the decision to go forward in their search for an understanding of the Catholic faith. During the Catechumenate, we attend the Sunday Mass as a group and are sent out together after the homily to "Break Open" the Word of God. In addition, we continue to meet every Monday evening at 7:30 PM for a session, touching on major issues related to the Catholic faith. This step concludes with a day of reflection followed by the Rite of Election with Bishop Garcia and OCIA participants from all over the Diocese of Austin.
Step III. Purification and Enlightenment
The third phase of preparation takes place during Lent. At this time, we set aside our book learning and enter into a time of more intense spiritual growth, examining our lives and determining where God is calling us. We look at the world and ourselves with the eyes of faith and we join in the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. This phase culminates in the Celebration of the Easter Sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
Step IV. Mystagogia: Celebrating the first year as a fully initiated Catholic
Mystagogia gatherings are for those who have recently joined the Catholic faith. These gatherings offer newly initiated Catholics an opportunity to share and celebrate their new life in the Church, to break open the mysteries of our faith and to decide how to take ones place as full members of the Catholic Church.