Navigating Faith: Experiencing Lent for the First Time as Someone Attending OCIA

Lent is a season steeped in tradition, reflection, and transformation within the Christian faith. For those journeying through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) — formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) — experiencing Lent for the first time can feel both profound and unfamiliar. It is a time when the Church invites its members to enter more deeply into the life of Christ through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. But for those new to the faith, this season can be a rich yet sometimes daunting experience. How do you engage in Lent as someone preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church?

1. Understanding Lent: A Time of Transformation

At its core, Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter, designed to prepare believers for the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection. The 40 days mirror the time Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert, as described in the Gospels. It’s a time for deepening one's relationship with God, reflecting on the sacrifices Christ made, and preparing spiritually for the joy of the Resurrection.

For those attending OCIA, Lent represents a unique opportunity. It is your first time experiencing this season as someone moving toward full initiation into the Church. This might bring questions, doubts, or a sense of awe about what Lent is really about. It is essential to approach Lent with openness and a desire for spiritual growth. Think of this season as an invitation to encounter God in a deeper way, preparing your heart for the new life you will receive through the sacraments of initiation.

2. The Role of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

During Lent, the Church encourages three key practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. For someone preparing for baptism, confirmation, or Eucharist through OCIA, these practices might feel unfamiliar, but they are powerful tools for drawing closer to Christ.

• Prayer: Lent is an invitation to deepen your prayer life. The Church offers many ways to pray during Lent, such as the Stations of the Cross, daily Mass, or the Liturgy of the Hours. As an OCIA participant, you might also find yourself reflecting on the readings and prayers that will guide you toward full initiation. This could be a time to journal your thoughts or ask questions about the faith that arise as you prepare to enter the Church.
• Fasting: Fasting during Lent doesn’t only mean giving up food. It’s also a way to detach from the things that distract us from God and the people around us. If you’ve never fasted before, it might be helpful to start small and focus on something that will challenge you, whether it’s abstaining from a favorite treat or committing to spend less time on social media. The goal is to use the time and energy that would have gone toward distractions to focus on God, prayer, and reflection.
• Almsgiving: Lent is also a time to reach out to others. Almsgiving can be as simple as helping someone in need or contributing to a charitable cause. It’s about living out Christ’s call to love your neighbor. As you prepare for your baptism or confirmation, you may be asked to consider how you can serve others as an expression of God’s love.

3. Participating in the Rites of Lent During OCIA

As someone attending OCIA, your Lent will be filled with particular rites that reflect your journey to full initiation. These rites can be powerful moments in your spiritual life as they mark important milestones on your path.

• The Rite of Election: For those preparing for baptism, this rite typically happens on the First Sunday of Lent. It's a moment where you, along with others preparing for initiation, are officially recognized as candidates for the sacraments of initiation. It’s a time to affirm your commitment to the journey, and it signifies a turning point in your preparation for Easter.
• Scrutinies: The Scrutinies are prayers said over catechumens (those preparing for baptism) on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. These rites help you confront your weaknesses and renew your resolve to live out the Gospel. For the first-time participant, this can feel like a deep invitation to purify your heart and mind, allowing Christ to heal and transform areas of your life.
• Holy Week: As you approach the end of Lent, Holy Week will be a profound experience. You will walk with Christ through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. If you are preparing for baptism, this might be the time when you will receive the Sacraments, beginning with the Easter Vigil, which is the pinnacle of the Church's liturgical year. It is a celebration of new life and rebirth, and for you, it will mark the culmination of your journey into the Church.

4. Embracing the Call to Conversion

For those attending OCIA, Lent is a time of conversion. This means turning toward God and away from things that keep us from Him. It’s a season to reflect on how we live our lives and to ask ourselves where we can grow in holiness. This period of preparation invites you to think about your own life and how God is calling you to deeper faith, love, and action.

The conversion that happens during Lent is not just external but internal. It’s about a transformation of the heart. For someone preparing to be baptized or confirmed, this is a powerful moment to reflect on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What does it mean to follow Him? How are you called to love others? These are the questions you can reflect on during this sacred time.

5. Receiving Support from the OCIA Community

One of the blessings of being part of OCIA is the community that supports you. During Lent, you are not alone. You are journeying with others who are also preparing for full initiation into the Church. Together, you’ll experience the highs and lows of Lent, supporting one another in prayer, fasting, and reflection.

The sponsors and catechists in your OCIA group will walk with you through this season, offering guidance, encouragement, and prayer. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions about Lent or share your thoughts and struggles. The Church community is here to help you as you navigate this sacred time.

6. Looking Forward to Easter

Lent is ultimately a season of hope. The sacrifices we make during this time point to the joy of Easter, where we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus and the new life He offers. As you move through this season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, remember that every step brings you closer to your own spiritual rebirth. 

For those attending OCIA, Lent serves as a final preparation to fully enter into the life of the Church. It is a time of purification and renewal, where you open your heart to the transforming power of God’s love. As you prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation, embrace this season with an open heart, trusting that God is drawing you ever closer to Himself.

May this first Lent be a powerful moment of transformation, leading you to deeper faith and a greater understanding of the mystery of God’s love in Christ.