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OCIA Formation

- Liturgy Homepage
Contact Us
- Deacon Francis L. Agnoli, OFS, MD, DMin
  
  Director of Liturgy & Director of Deacon Formation
  
  563-888-4257
  agnolidavenportdiocese.org

Catechesis

Catechesis within the OCIA process differs depending on the Period. Formation should be reviewed with the participants in mind.
Period of Evangelization and PreCatechumenate
This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of faith.

Formation during this period is informal and is concerned with introducing inquirers to the Gospel message and meet families and groups of Christians. It should include welcoming, answering questions, the sharing of personal journeys, listening, evangelizing, community building and an introduction to prayer.

Formation Goals for this Period (RCIA 42):
- Evidence of First Faith
- Initial conversion and intention to change one's life
- Evidence of the First Stirrings of Repentance
- A start to the practice of calling upon God in prayer
- A sense of the Church
- Association with members of the parish community
Resources for this Period:
- Seek the Living God: Five RCIA Inquiry Questions for Making Disciples by Nick Wagner
- Five Inquiry Discernment Questions (from TeamInitiation (was TeamRCIA) )
Period of the Catechumenate
This is the time, in duration corresponding to the progress of the individual, for the nurturing and growth of the catechumens' faith and conversion to God. The period of catechumenate "should extend for at least one year of formation [and] instruction" and contain "a thoroughly compresensive catechesis on the truths of Catholic doctrine and moral life" (National Statutes, 6-7).

Formation Goals for this Period (RCIA 78):
- Presentation of Catholic teaching in its entirety
- Enlighten faith
- Direct the heart toward God
- Foster participation in the liturgy
- Inspire Apostolic activity
- Nurture a life in accord with the spirit of Christ
Formation during the period of the Catechumenate has two parts: Breaking Open the Word and Extended Catechesis. Breaking Open the Word utilizes the Lectionary as the primary source document; Extended Catechesis uses the Catechism of the Catholic Church as the catechist's primary source document.

It is important to remember that the OCIA is a process, not a program. This means that the formation is uniquely designed for your group of catechumens and candidates, aiding them on their journey of conversion. All resources listed here are to aid the OCIA team in walking with these individuals; it is recommended that a resource not be seen merely as a program to be completed.

Resources for Breaking Open the Word:
- Archdiocese of St. Louis
- Breaking Open the Lectionary
  - Year A
  - Year B
  - Year C
- Breaking Open the Word - The Catholic Way
- Faith, Life and Creed - Breaking Open the Word Sessions
- The Living Word: Leading RCIA Dismissals
  - Year A
  - Year B
  - Year C
- Word and Worship Workbook
  - Year A
  - Year B
  - Year C
Resources for Extended Catechesis:
The Office of Faith Formation has samples of many of these resources for you to review and is available to assist you in selecting materials and designing your Catechumenate sessions.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
This is the time immediately preceding the elects' initiation; it is a time of reflection, intensely centered on conversion. It typically coincides with Lent.

Formation Goals for this Period (RCIA 139):
- Intense Spiritual Preparation
- Interior Reflection, not Catechetical Instruction
- Purify Minds and Hearts
- Deepen the knowledge of Christ the Savior
There are few resources specifically designed for the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, although many of those listed for the Catechumenate have material for this period. The Rites of this period of the OCIA, Mystagogy on those Rites, Breaking Open the Word, and a Retreat are the foundation of formation during this period.
Period of Mystagogy
This is the time following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday eucharistic celebration.

Formation Goals for this Period (RCIA 244-245):
- Deepen the grasp of the Paschal Mystery
- Meditation on the Gospel
- Sharing in the Eucharist
- Doing works of Charity
- Full and Joyful welcome into the Community
There are few resources specifically designed for the Period of Mystagogy. The main setting for Mystagogy is the Sunday Masses of the Easter season. In addition, the parish community should welcome the neophytes into their midst.
Community
The role of the entire parish community within the OCIA process is of utmost importance. Initiation is not something that occurs only by a select few. The entire community has a part in welcoming, forming and initiating those discerning the Catholic faith.

Ways the Community can be Involved:
- Pray for those in the discernment process
- Welcome them into parish ministries and the community
Resources:
- Apprenticed to Christ: Activities for Practicing the Catholic Way of Life by Jerry Galipeau
- Disciples Making Disciples: The Role of the Assembly in Christian Initiation by Victoria Tufano
- Disciples Making Disciples: Print and Digital Resources for Forming the Assembly
- Your Parish is the Curriculum: RCIA in the Midst of the Community by Diana Macalintal
Witness
Throughout the OCIA process, the witness of the community strenghtens those in discernment and offers them an opportunity to begin to strengthen their own witness of the faith. Individuals in the OCIA process are encouraged to become involved in ministry and the life of the parish community.

Resources:
- Apprenticed to Christ: Activities for Practicing the Catholic Way of Life by Jerry Galipeau