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OCIA

- Curious about the Catholic faith? Interested in becoming Catholic? Want to come back to the Church? Need to receive the Sacraments of First Communion or Confirmation?
  
  The OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults - formerly known as RCIA - is a program simultaneously ancient and modern. Over the centuries, the OCIA slowly faded out of practice. The Second Vatican Council, 1962-1965, called for a renewal of the treasures of faith. From this initiative, the OCIA was restored. In 1974, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults was promulgated and has become the standard for parishes throughout the world. Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands are baptized into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
  
  If you are over the age of 18, please register for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults program by calling our office at 724-287-1759.
Schedule
- 2025 - 2026 Schedule
  January 21: The Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist
  January 28: Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick - taught by Fr. Kevin
  February 4: Sacrament of Marriage - taught by Deacon Mike and Jayni Kaufman
  February 11: Sacramentals and Lenten Devotions - taught by Deacon Jim
  February 18: Ash Wednesday ~ No session
  February 25: Sacrament of Holy Orders ~ Bishop, Priest, and Deacon | Taught by Fr. John and Deacon Mitch
  March 4: Church Councils, and the Role of the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Church
  March 11: Individual meetings with Fr. John at Saint Paul Church. No classroom session at Saint Conrad.
  March 18: Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered at Saint Conrad Church. No classroom session at Saint Conrad.
  March 25: Solemnity of the Annunciation; final classroom session
  April 4 ~ Holy Saturday; 11AM, Rehearsal For the Easter Vigil | 8PM, Easter Vigil at St. Paul Church
  The Scrutinies will be celebrated during the 10 AM Mass at St. Paul Church on Sunday, March 8, 15, & 22.
Terminology
- Here are terms you will encounter during the OCIA process:
  
  CANDIDATE - is a person baptized in another Christian denomination who is now seeking to join the Catholic Church.
  
  CATECHUMEN - an unbaptized person seeking to become Catholic.
  
  RITE OF ELECTION - during the Lenten season, the catechumens are invited to a special service at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. They are greeted by Bishop David Zubik, and joined by catechumens from throughout the Diocese. This is a beautiful way for the catechumens to see the universality of the Church. As we know, Catholicism is much bigger than one parish or region.
  
  SCRUTINIES - on three consecutive Sundays at the 10am Mass at St. Paul Church (All Saints Parish), the candidates and catechumens will be invited to enter the Sanctuary. Over these three weeks they will be presented with the Nicene Creed and Lord’s Prayer. This is our opportunity to see those seeking to join our parish, pray for them, and encourage them on the journey.
  
  EASTER VIGIL - the evening before Easter Sunday, the Church celebrates the Easter Vigil. This is the most solemn, and longest, Mass of the year. During the Vigil, our candidates and catechumens will receive the sacraments and make their profession of faith.
  
  FULL COMMUNION - in order to be a full member of the Catholic Church, a person needs to be baptized, confirmed, receive Holy Communion, and make a profession of faith. During the Easter Vigil, the sacraments received by our candidates and catechumens may vary depending upon their faith background. What is certain is by the end of Holy Saturday night, all will be new members of All Saints Parish!
  
  Information: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/rite-of-christian-initiation-of-adults/
Contact
- Fr. John Baver
  [email protected]
  724-287-1759 x 1001