"The Order of Christian Initiation... is designed for adults who, upon hearing the proclamation of the mystery of Christ as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts, consciously and freely seek the living God and undertake the journey of faith and conversion. By God's power and in their own preparation, they will be strengthened with spiritual help and at the proper time will fruitfully receive these Sacraments" (OCIA, 1). 

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) fully replaces the previous RCIA on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025. At that time the RCIA is abrogated. 

The OCIA is the process through which non-baptized individuals are led by members of the Catholic Church to respond to God's grace and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. The OCIA is a gradual process of formation that unfolds as the non-Catholics answers the ongoing call to conversion to Jesus Christ. It is not merely a class. Rather, the OCIA includes 4 periods of formation (pre-catechumenate, catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, and mystagogy). Each period serves a unique purpose and they should not be skipped. As one progresses on the path towards fruitful reception of the sacraments, there are 3 liturgical rites that serve as a gateway from one period to the next. Here is a brief outline of the OCIA process:

Period 1: Evangelization and Pre-catechumenate (inquirer) - Step 1: Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate
Period 2: Catechumenate - Step 2: Rite of Election
Period 3: Purification and Enlightenment - Step 3: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
Period 4: Mystagogy