St. Francis Borgia | St. John the Baptist | St. Patrick 

OCIA: Order of Christian Initiation for Adults/Catholic 101

 What is Catholic 101?

Catholic 101 is the place to ask the hard questions about the Catholic Faith. "Why do Catholics follow the Pope? Why does the Church not endorse same sex marriage? Why do I have to go to a priest for confession? Why do Catholics pray to saints? What's the deal with Mary??"

There are so many misconceptions about the Catholic Church and her teachings. We challenge you to get your information strait from us, the Catholics in question. 

Catholic 101 is open to anyone who comes in good faith to learn more about the Catholic faith. This includes current Catholics who want to learn more about what they believe but aren't sure where to start. It is a common misconception that these classes are only for those entering the church or that you'll steal a spot from someone who actually wants to join, not so! We welcome anyone and everyone who wants to learn about the Catholic Faith.

Come to our informational meeting August 8th, 2024 at 6:00PM at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church or call the Parish Office for more information.

RCIA? OCIA? Catholic 101? What's with all the names?

Glad you asked! After the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), the Church reinstituted the formal catechumenate, or the official way that people enter the Catholic Church. In the wake of Vatican II, this was translated as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, and so it was known for many years. However, in 2001 Pope St. John Paul II promulgated Liturgiam authenticam, a document calling for a more faithful translation from Latin (the official language of the Church) to other languages. Most people remember this as when the Nicene Creed was "changed" and we stopped saying "and also with you" when the priest greets the congregation with "The Lord be with you." Nothing was changed, we simply received a more faithful translation from the original Latin. 

Now, 20 years later, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) commissioned a new translation of RCIA that is in the process of being approved by the Vatican. To better reflect the Latin, RCIA is being changed to Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). Strictly speaking, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is not accurate, because it is multiple Rites. A group of Rites is called an Order. 

Read more about it from this Catholic News Agency article and Team Initiation article.

Ok... But Catholic 101?

Right! With this new translation, Parishes have been given the freedom to name their OCIA Program whatever is appropriate. 

OCIA is a fine name for official church documents and certificates, but it doesn’t have great curb appeal. Spelled out as Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, it is long, unwieldy, and not abundantly descriptive for the uninitiated. This is why we want to start calling our OCIA program Catholic 101. It is simpler, more welcoming, and more explanatory. To those outside the Church (the main group we want to attend OCIA!) OCIA is another weird Catholic thing. But Catholic 101 is much more approachable. "101" is a culturally understood designation for an intro class, and so this is our desire in calling our OCIA Program Catholic 101.

Catholic 101 Sign Up Catholic 101 Meal Sign-Up Catholic 101 2024/25 Calendar

Periods of OCIA

Inquiry

The first step of OCIA, during which the inquirer can explore Catholicism without fully committing to entering the church. The goal is for the inquirer to have full knowledge of the faith so they can make a fully conscious and free choice to enter the church.

Catechumenate

Catechumen means “ a person receiving instruction.” During this period, you will study and discuss most of the Church’s main teachings. Your sponsor (a Catholic who will support you and present you to the Church) will join you on your journey from this point on.

Purification & Enlightenment

This period occurs during the weeks before Easter and will include several rites. This time is more prayerful than instructional. It is a time of deeper spiritual preparation for the sacraments.

On the night of the Easter Vigil, those who have completed their preparation enter the Catholic Church through the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Mystagogy

 This is the final period of OCIA. It usually lasts for the remainder of the Neophyte's (New Catholic) life. They will continue to grow in prayer and desire of the Lord!

Mystagogy means "learning about the Mysteries." Meaning the Mysteries of God, this will continue for all of us until we meet our Creator face to face. 

Common Questions

  • What is OCIA? What is Catholic 101?

    OCIA stands for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process through which unbaptized adults and adults of other faith traditions are formed in the teachings, Traditions and practices of Catholicism. At the Easter Vigil, Catechumens and Candidates who choose to will become Catholic and enter the Catholic Church. At the Trinity Catholic Parishes, we call our OCIA Program Catholic 101. 

  • What happens in Catholic 101?

    Catholic 101 teaches the core tenets of the Catholic Faith and aid you in building a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Through a series of weekly classes, we will cover a wide overview of the Catholic faith and discuss in depth the claims that Catholicism makes of being the Church that Christ established. Every week we will cover a different topic of Catholicism. Each class starts with dinner from 6:00PM to 6:30PM.

  • What is a Catechumen and a Candidate?

    A Catechumen is someone who is in need of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. A Candidate is a Christian adult who has already received Baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but is in need of First Communion and Confirmation.

  • What is a Sponsor?

    A sponsor is a confirmed Catholic who is in Good Standing in the Catholic Church. The sponsor must be over the age of 16.

    The sponsor will attend classes and certain rites with you throughout the year. They will be support you through the journey of joining the Catholic Faith.

     

  • When does Catholic 101 meet?

    Catholic 101 will meet Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. There are events on the weekends and on other nights in the spring for those who choose to enter the Church. 

    Dinner: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM

    Class: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

  • How long does Catholic 101 last?

    Catholic 101 begins in September and will go until the end of April/beginning of May. Catechumens and Candidates who choose to will receive their Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. However, it is important to stress that Catholic 101 is not a one size fits all. Some people attend Catholic 101 classes for more than a single year, some people are able to enter the Church after just a few classes. It all depends on where you are coming from and what your desires are. Despite the purpose of our OCIA program to allow people a path into the church, you do not make a commitment to join the church simply by attending. We want all individuals that participate in our program to have full knowledge of the Church and be at peace with joining. It is our sincere hope that you decide to come home to the Catholic Church, but the Lord calls all people to Himself in unique ways and this may just be another step in the journey. 

  • How do I register for Catholic 101?

    Register by clicking the button below, calling the Parish Office at 402-426-3823, or emailing the DRE at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please register so we know the number to cook for!

    Register

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