Please fill out an OCIA registration form and email it to Cindy Berry or drop it by the parish office.  Please also schedule an office visit with Cindy Berry if you are interested in attending/ are attending the OCIA class.  Office hours are typically Monday – Thursday 9:00am to 4:30pm. 

• On Friday, the office hours are 9:00am to noon.
• Office Phone: (864) 223-8410.
• Email: Cindy Berry: [email protected]

Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first rite is celebrated in a combined rite during Mass; it marks the end of Evangelization and the beginning of the Catechumenate.

For those who have not been baptized (catechumens), this rite declares their desire to learn more about the Catholic Faith and intent to be baptized into the Faith Community. The community accepts them and they are considered catechumens.

For those who have been baptized (candidates) who seek Confirmation and Eucharist, this rite acknowledges them as members of the Faithful by virtue of the baptism, though bearning imperfect communion with Christ's church due to the fracturing of the "reformation."

Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion

These rites mark the end of the Catechumenate and the beginning of Purification and Enlightenment. Celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent, these rites take place at a predetermined location where the participants are presented to the Bishop.  Due to time and distance, this rite is often celebrated during Mass at the home parish.

For the Catechumens, the Bishop greets them and then signs the Book of the Elect. Upon hearing their sponsors' affirmation, the Bishop acknowledges them as the Elect of God and gives them his blessing to continue the process towards full initiation into the Church.

For Candidates, the Bishop also greets them and their sponsors affirm them as well. Upon hearing this, the Bishop invites the Candidates to join with the Church in a spirit of repentance and to hear the Lord's call to Continuing Conversion to full communion with the Catholic Church..

The Penitential Rite and The Scrutinies

The Penitential Rite is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of Lent and is for baptized Candidates only.

The Scrutinies are celebrated on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent and are for the unbaptized Elect. There is one scrutiny for each sacrament the members of the Elect seek: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

All celebrations are to assist the participants in their Lenten journey towards purification and enlightenment as they are invited to make their first confession.

Rite of Christian Initiation

The Rite of Christian Initiation occurs at the Easter Vigil, which is the most Holy and solemn celebrations of our Catholic Faith. At this celebration, the Elect are baptized and all participants are confirmed and receive First Holy Communion.

After this, they are considered Neophytes for the first year as fully initiated Catholics. We strive to continue to provide ongoing formation and community support throughout this first year.

The Period of Evangelization

This is the first period of RCIA, where a person is invited to grow in faith of Jesus Christ. During this time, we learn more about each other and what it means to be Christians, to have faith and to live out our call to holiness.

The Catechumenate

The Catechumenate is the period in which we will explore the teachings of the Catholic Faith. Our goal is to provide a thoroughly comprehensive catechesis (or teaching) on the truths of Catholic Doctrine and moral life in order to enlighten faith, direct our hearts toward God, foster participation in the Liturgy, inspire apostolic activity and nurture a life completely in accord with the spirit of Christ.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

This third period occurs during the 40 days of Lent in which we lead the participants through an interior reflection intended to enlighten our hearts and minds with a deep knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Church. The aim is to guide the participants towards a genuine self-awareness and serious self-examination of their lives.

Mystagogy

The period of Mystagogy is the time after the participants have received their sacraments and are fully initiated into the Church.  We will have a meal together and discuss "being a Catholic" both in the world and the Church.