At St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, the Becoming Catholic (OCIA / RCIA) process is available all year and generally progresses in four phases: Inquiry, Catechumenate, Enlightenment, Mystagogy.
The process is fulfilled within the parish community.
For an explanation on the terms being used in this section, please click on the “What Do Those Terms Mean?” drop-down menu.
Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate/Pre-Candidacy)
During the Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate) phase of the Becoming Catholic process, the opportunity is provided so that those seeking (inquiring) the faith can ask whatever questions they may have about the process, Catholic teachings and practices, or anything else pertaining to the faith.
A curriculum is followed, which discusses the basics. Some examples are:
1. What is Faith?
2. What is Church Doctrine?
3. What is a Devotion?
4. Who was Jesus?
5. What does it mean to live like Jesus?
6. What is the Trinity?
7. What’s going on during mass?
Questions (almost) always take precedence over planned curriculum. The Inquiry phase is largely about planting the seeds of faith, developing a basic understanding of Catholic Christian beliefs, and/or dealing with major objections/roadblocks people have encountered regarding the Catholic faith.
Inquiry can last as long as is needed, but normally lasts around six-months to a year.
Catechumenate/Candidacy
During the Catechumenate phase of the Becoming Catholic process, a more formalized education occurs.
The process, focused on the virtues and how to lead a virtuous life, includes learning about the beliefs of the Church community through four types of formation:
1. Doctrinal Formation: Studying the beliefs of the Catholic (Universal) Church
2. Liturgical Formation: Praying and worshiping with the Church community
3. Practical Formation: Participating in the life of the Church/parish community
4. Apostolic Formation: Serving the Church/parish community
Even though the process is more formalized, with a deeper focus on particular teachings, questions are always welcomed and encouraged. At St. Max, we believe that learning is best done through discussion – not lectures!
Some examples of lessons during this phase are:
1. What is a Sacrament?
2. The Sacrament of Baptism (We will devote at least one session to EACH sacrament)
3. The Marian Dogmas
4. Mortal Sin vs. Venial Sin
5. Christian Prayer
6. The Beatitudes
7. Tough Topics
Catechumenate/Candidacy generally lasts about six months.
Purification and Enlightenment
Purification and Enlightenment is a continuation of the formation began during Catechumenate/Candidacy.
As a general rule, this phase begins on the first Sunday of Lent and continues through the Easter Vigil (about 7 weeks).
This is a more intense phase of the process where those seeking to become Catholic participate in several Rites during mass and also attend an off-site overnight Retreat.
All of the lessons during this phase are directly related to final preparations for the reception of the Sacraments.
Mystagogy
The period of Mystagogy is the time immediately following reception of the Sacraments and answers this question: Great! I’m Catholic. Now what?
After becoming Catholic, you will be asked a lot of questions about your decision. Mystagogy is designed to give you the tools to respond to these questions, but also, to equip you for living the Catholic Christian life in community – whether that be the parish community or the civic/social community.
Some of the lessons during Mystagogy are:
1. Basics of Apologetics
2. How to use the Socratic Method
3. What does it look like to be Catholic in the world?
The Mystagogy phase generally lasts until the Feast of Corpus Christi, which occurs in mid-June.