​​​​​OCIAC

Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIAC) of Catechetical Age

The Office of Faith Formation at St. Francis of Assisi is committed to your child’s spiritual development. We strive to provide the best possible religious education, grounded in Catholic beliefs, virtues, and morals: belief shapes behavior. Sacramental preparation guides youth into a deeper union with Christ and a stronger sense of belonging to the Catholic faith community.

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In Baptism, each person is called by Christ to a lifelong journey of discipleship and participation in the life of the Trinity. We welcome and encourage families to walk this journey together.

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What is OCIAC?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for children (OCIA) provides a path for children of catechetical age (typically 7–17 years old) who are not baptized, were baptized in another Christian tradition, or were baptized Catholic but have not been formed in the faith or received further sacraments.

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According to OCIAC:

OCIA 252: “This form of the Order of Christian Initiation is intended for children, not baptized as infants, who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age... Such children are capable of receiving and nurturing a personal faith and of recognizing an obligation in conscience.”

OCIA 253: “The Christian initiation of these children requires both a conversion that is personal and somewhat developed, in proportion to their age, and the assistance of the education they need...”

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Program Overview (Sacramental Preparation Process Page)

• Who May Participate: Children ages 7–17 who are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian tradition, or baptized Catholic but uncatechized.

• Duration: This is a two-year process.

• Registration:
  Families must be registered parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi to enroll. A link for Parish Registration can be found in the footer of this page.

• Weekly Participation: Attending 9:30 AM Sunday Mass as a family is a vital and required part of the formation process.

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Year One: Formation Begins

• Class Time: Sundays, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Mass Attendance: Required weekly (9:30 AM)

• Classes are designed assuming regular Sunday Mass attendance.

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Year Two: Deepening Commitment

• For Unbaptized Children:

  • From the First Sunday of Advent through Easter, children, parents, and sponsors must attend Mass every Sunday.

  • After the homily, children are dismissed for catechetical instruction (until 12:30 PM).

  • Participation is required in the following Liturgical Rites:

    • Rite of Acceptance

    • Scrutinies and Penitential Rites

    • Rite of Sending (at St. Francis)

    • Rite of Election (in Colorado Springs with the Bishop)

• Sacraments of Initiation:
  Celebrated at the Easter Vigil and include Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.

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Four Periods of OCIAC

1. Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry & Evangelization)

A time of introduction to the Gospel and personal reflection. Children explore their developing faith and begin to recognize God’s presence in their lives.
They prepare to celebrate the Rite of Acceptance (First Sunday of Advent).

2. Catechumenate (Formation as Followers of Christ)

Children grow in their understanding of Church teachings, Scripture, and Tradition. This period focuses on building a personal relationship with Jesus and belonging to the Church.

• Children attend Faith Formation classes at 11:00 AM. From there they will go to the 11:30 AM Mass and be dismissed after the homily to return to class until 12:30 PM.

• Rite of Sending marks the transition to the next period.

3. Purification and Enlightenment

Coinciding with Lent, this is a time of spiritual deepening through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and penance. Children reflect on their readiness for the sacraments.

• Rite of Election is celebrated with the Bishop in Colorado Springs (First Sunday of Lent).

• Focus: conversion of heart, Reconciliation, and desire for Eucharist.

4. Mystagogy (Living the Mysteries)

After receiving the sacraments at Easter, children enter a period of reflection and growth in their new life of faith.

They are encouraged to:

• Deepen their understanding of the sacraments

• Discover the gifts of the Holy Spirit

• Participate in the life and mission of the Church

Sponsors and Godparents:

• A sponsor is required for each child.

• Sponsors play a key role by:

  • Attending sessions and liturgical rites with the child

  • Supporting the child’s engagement with the catechist and faith community

  • Attending the Rite of Acceptance, Sending, Election, and Easter Vigil

Sponsor Qualifications:

• Fully initiated Catholic (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)

• Practicing and living in accordance with Catholic teachings

• Proof of eligibility may be required​​​​​​​​​