Since September, I’ve been on my own journey through OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), and recently, I made the decision not to be confirmed this year. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it feels like the right one. Along the way, I’ve noticed that many people, both those who are considering the process and even some who are currently in it, don’t fully understand what OCIA is meant to be. Some seem to view it as a simple formality—just a way to become Catholic without fully committing to what that faith entails.
If you’re unfamiliar with OCIA or haven’t gone through it yourself, it’s important to understand that the process is about much more than just receiving sacraments or going through the motions. It’s about transformation, discernment, and a deepening relationship with God. And, if done right, it’s a path that calls you to live your faith authentically, not just for a day but for a lifetime.
What OCIA Really Is
OCIA is the Catholic Church’s process for welcoming adults into full membership. Whether someone is unbaptized or baptized in another Christian tradition, this is the structured journey through which they learn about the faith and become fully initiated into the Church through the sacraments.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
1. Inquiry – This is where you start. It’s the phase of exploring and asking questions about the faith, getting an introduction to the basics of Catholic teachings, and deciding if you want to continue.
2. Catechumenate – Now that you’ve committed to the process, you enter a time of learning, prayer, and formation. You dive deeper into the core teachings of the Church, with a focus on building a relationship with God and understanding His will for your life.
3. Purification and Enlightenment – During the season of Lent, you prepare spiritually for the sacraments. This phase includes self-reflection and prayer, helping to purify your heart and mind before receiving the sacraments of initiation.
4. Initiation – This is the moment when you are baptized (if you weren’t already), confirmed, and receive the Eucharist for the first time. It’s the official moment when you become a full member of the Church.
5. Mystagogia – After you’ve received the sacraments, the journey isn’t over. This phase is about deepening your faith, understanding the mysteries of the Church, and living out your newfound role in the Body of Christ.
Why OCIA Is About More Than Just Receiving Sacraments
At its core, OCIA is meant to be a transformative journey. It’s not about simply getting baptized, confirmed, and receiving communion. It’s about entering into a living relationship with God and being called to live that relationship out every day in the world.
The goal isn’t to check boxes or mark off steps. The goal is to be shaped by the faith, to let it permeate every aspect of your life, and to reflect it in your actions. It’s about conversion—allowing yourself to be transformed by Christ so that you can reflect His love and truth in your life.
Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed people in OCIA who treat it as little more than a formality, focused on the external actions (attending classes, receiving sacraments) but not engaging with the deeper meaning behind them. The sacraments themselves—the Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation—are incredibly powerful and significant. But they don’t just stand alone. They’re meant to mark the beginning of a life that’s lived in service to God and others, not just a one-time event.
The Dangers of Treating OCIA as a Formality
If people misunderstand the purpose of OCIA, it can lead to a superficial faith. When the sacraments are separated from genuine commitment and transformation, they lose much of their meaning. In my own experience, I’ve seen people who approach OCIA as a checklist—get through the classes, get the sacraments, and then move on as though nothing has changed. This kind of approach leads to a faith that’s disconnected from reality.
And this is where I’ve found myself feeling frustrated. The Catholic Church offers so much depth and richness, and the path to becoming Catholic through OCIA is a beautiful opportunity for spiritual growth. But if the process is reduced to simply going through the motions, it not only misses the point, it can also make people feel disconnected from the very thing they’re supposed to be embracing.
What Does it Mean to Live Your Faith?
For those of us in OCIA (or considering it), we need to ask ourselves: what does it really mean to live the faith? Being Catholic isn’t just about receiving sacraments; it’s about living them out in our daily lives. It’s about allowing the teachings of the Church to shape our actions, thoughts, and relationships. It’s about making the decision to follow Christ every day, not just on Sundays.
OCIA is meant to guide us into a deeper relationship with God, and while it can be a long and challenging process, it’s one that’s worth committing to if we truly want to live out the call to be disciples. It’s not just about getting the outward signs of membership; it’s about the inward transformation that those signs are meant to represent.
Moving Forward: Living the Faith
I’ve learned through this journey that faith isn’t something you can simply “get” by attending classes and receiving sacraments. It’s something that’s lived out. It’s a process of continual growth, questioning, and change. For me, that’s where OCIA became difficult. I realized that the journey wasn’t just about the ceremonies or the steps—it’s about how I’m called to live, how I’m called to love and serve others, and how I’m called to deepen my relationship with God.
If you’re considering OCIA or are currently in the process, I urge you to think about the deeper purpose behind it. The sacraments are a gift, yes, but they’re also a responsibility. They call us to live a life that reflects the love of Christ and to be a light to the world. Don’t just go through the motions—let this process be a true transformation in your life.
Faith is a journey, and whether you’re just beginning or are already well along the path, it’s important to remember that the goal isn’t just to “become Catholic”—it’s to live as a Catholic, authentically and fully, every single day. That’s the true call of OCIA, and it’s the heart of what it means to navigate faith.
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