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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
- 2026-2027
  OCIA at All Saints Parish:
  Sessions will be held on Wednesday at 6:30PM, in the double-classroom at Saint Conrad Church, at 125 Buttercup Road. Sessions will last approximately one hour.
  September 16: Overview of the OCIA process/Welcome/Introduction of the team
  September 23: Presentation of Bibles, as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church, to the OCIA candidates. Discussion of the role of Scripture and Tradition in the life of the Church.
  September 30: Feast of Saint Jerome, patron saint of Biblical scholarship. The concept of the Communion of Saints, and saintly intercession.
  October 7: Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Devotional life in the Church.
  October 14: Church Councils - From Nicea to Vatican II
  October 21: No session
  October 28: Exploring the Mass ~ Liturgy of the Word
  November 4: Exploring the Mass ~ Liturgy of the Eucharist
  November 11: Prayer As the Foundation of the Christian Life
  November 18: Advent and Christmas ~ Why these seasons are important in the life of a Christian.
  ************************************HOLIDAY BREAK*************************************
  January 20: The Sacraments ~ Outward signs of God’s love.
  January 27: Sacraments of Initiation ~ Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation
  February 3: Preparation For the Lenten season.
  February 10: Ash Wednesday ~ No session
  February 17: Sacrament of Marriage
  February 24: Sacrament of Holy Orders
  March 3: Sacrament of Reconciliation; Forgiveness in the Christian Life.
  March 10: Individual Meetings With Fr. John at Saint Paul Church; no session at Saint Conrad.
  March 17: Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Final class of OCIA; preparation for the Easter
  March 24: Wednesday of Holy Week ~ No session
  March 27 ~ Holy Saturday 11AM, Rehearsal for the Easter Vigil | 8:00PM, EASTER VIGIL AT SAINT PAUL CHURCH
  The Scrutinies will be celebrated during the 10AM Mass at Saint Paul Church on February 28, March 7, and March 14.
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