RCIA / OCIA
The Catholic adult initiation programme, culminating at the Easter Vigil.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), renamed the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) in 2021, is the process by which adult catechumens are prepared for baptism, confirmation, and first Eucharist in the Catholic Church, typically culminating at the Easter Vigil. The programme normally runs for a full liturgical year, sometimes longer for catechumens needing more time. Stages include the period of inquiry, the catechumenate proper (formal instruction and formation), the period of purification and enlightenment during Lent, and the period of mystagogy after the Easter Vigil reception. Adults already baptized in another Christian tradition who are entering the Catholic Church follow a parallel "candidate" track and are normally received into full communion at the same Easter Vigil.