Order of Christian Initiation of Adults OCIA

The period of the catechumenate is rich with opportunities for catechesis, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults presents four ways that catechesis occurs during that time for the unbaptized. A Guide to the Period of the Catechumenate breaks open each of those ways of catechizing by first exploring the approach of catechesis accommodated to the liturgical year, then by providing suggestions on how to introduce catechumens to the Christian way of life. In addition to this foundational material, this book also includes:

• An overview of six foundational principles of initiation ministry and how they are applied to the period of the catechumenate
• Practical advice for leading formational and catechetical sessions with the unbaptized
• Thirty-five seasonal outlines and twenty-four monthly outlines with liturgical suggestions for preparing Celebrations of the Word
• Thirty-four seasonal outlines and twenty-four monthly outlines with practical ways catechumens can serve their parish and local communities
• Twelve catechetical sessions on the lives of the saints

9781616718015 | 7 x 10 | 244 Pages | Paperback

Available March 2025.

The coordinator’s role in Christian initiation is essential for developing a rich and fruitful initiation ministry in the parish community. This book will renew veteran coordinators of Christian initiation in their role and introduce novices to the many aspects of their work. It will help coordinators manage their various responsibilities, come to a deeper understanding of the process of Christian initiation, and develop a profound appreciation for the way the liturgical and ritual elements of the baptismal catechumenate lead to an encounter with the living God. Features include:

• An introduction to the overall vision of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, which sets the tone for the whole ministry of initiation
• Stories of initiation that resonate with the experiences of coordinators
• Practical steps and advice to help coordinators implement the ritual
• Suggestions for how to form an initiation team and a vibrant parish ministry
• Guidance for addressing pastoral concerns that arise during the process of initiation
• Downloadable forms that help facilitate recordkeeping
• A glossary of commonly used terms related to initiation

9781616718336 | 7 X 10 | 112 Pages

Use these forty color-coded, self-adhesive tabs to mark the major divisions and rites found in the newly translated English and Spanish Order of Christian Initiation of Adults approved for use in the diocesed of the United States. The tabs are bilingual in English and Spanish.

These self-adhesive, die-stamped tabs require no cutting or inserting and are easy to attach to pages of the OCIA. Just peel off, then press and stick. Detailed instructions are provided inside the package.

Hand sewn hardcover archival registers printed on acid free archival paper that with proper care will last indefinitely. Acid free paper is resistant to water damage and has high light fastness, this allows the pages to resist fading from exposure to sunlight over time.

Handsomely bound in dark blue imitation leather. Front cover is stamped in gold with a 4" Jerusalem cross.
8.5" x 11" with 50 pages / 200 entries.

Hand sewn hardcover archival registers printed on acid free archival paper that with proper care will last indefinitely. Acid free paper is resistant to water damage and has high light fastness, this allows the pages to resist fading from exposure to sunlight over time.

Handsomely bound in green imitation leather. Front cover is stamped in gold with a 4" Jerusalem cross.
8.5" x 11" with 50 pages / 200 entries.

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year B by Leisa Anslinger, Mary A. Ehle, Biagio Mazza, Victoria M. Tufano

This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen's relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience.

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year B includes:

• Guides for dismissal sessions for every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation of Year B
• Seasonal overviews, Scripture backgrounds, and preparation materials for catechists
• Seasonal dismissal texts for the priest celebrant
• Complete reflection texts with discussion sparkers on the readings of the day
• Centering ideas and closing prayers
• Suggestions for additional catechetical topics that are connected to the readings of the day
• An appendix with dismissal guides for the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and the three Scrutinies

978-1-61671-366-9 | Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 352 pages

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year A by Lesia Anslinger Mary A. Ehle Biagio Mazza Victoria M. Tufano

This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen's relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience.

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year A includes:

• Guides for dismissal sessions for every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation of Year A
• Seasonal overviews, Scripture backgrounds, and preparation materials for catechists
• Seasonal dismissal texts for the priest celebrant
• Complete reflection texts with discussion sparkers on the readings of the day
• Centering ideas and closing prayers
• Suggestions for additional catechetical topics that are connected to the readings of the day
• An appendix with dismissal guides for the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and the three Scrutinies

978-1-61671-414-7 | Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 352 pages | Language: English

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals Year C by Leisa Anslinger, Mary A. Ehle, Biagio Mazza, Victoria M. Tufano

This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen's relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience.

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year C includes:

• Guides for dismissal sessions for every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation of Year C
• Seasonal overviews, Scripture backgrounds, and preparation materials for catechists
• Seasonal dismissal texts for the priest celebrant
• Complete reflection texts with discussion sparkers on the readings of the day
• Centering ideas and closing prayers
• Suggestions for additional catechetical topics that are connected to the readings of the day
• An appendix with dismissal guides for the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and the three Scrutinies

978-1-61671-431-4 | Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 352 pages | Language: English

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the Church’s ritual for welcoming and forming adults and children of catechetical age in the way of Jesus as it is lived in the Roman Catholic tradition. In this resource, Fr. Ronald J. Lewinksi provides a basic and thorough introduction to the Church’s vision for the process of Christian initiation, guiding initiation ministers through the various rituals and steps of the OCIA through the lens of conversion, evangelization, and discipleship. This book is an excellent resource for new and experienced initiation ministers as well as for those who seek a deeper understanding of how the Church welcomes and initiates adult Catholic Christians. This revised edition has been updated to reflect the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

9781616717360 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 112 pages | Language: English

Una Introduccion al RICA: La vision de la iniciacion cristiana by Ronald J. Lewinski

Una introduccion al RICA: La vision de la iniciacion cristiana serves as a basic primer for those involved with Christian Initiation ministry. Written by Fr. Ron Lewinski, this resource provides an overview of the four stages of initiation and their accompanying rituals as well as questions for discussion and reflection.

978-1-61671-445-1 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 112 pages | Language: Spanish

You said yes to coordinating the OCIA in your parish. You knew it was going to be a big commitment and require a lot of your time. But it turned out to be much bigger and more complex than you ever imagined. The more you learned about those asking to become Catholic, the more you realized that "the way we've always done it" just isn't going to work anymore if you want to form lifelong disciples. Something has to change.

Leisa Anslinger, a veteran of OCIA leadership and parish planning, knows how to help communities develop a vision, navigate change, and bring out the best in their leaders and parishioners. In A Vision for Conversion: Eight Steps to Radically Change Your OCIA Process, Leisa walks you through the eight most effective ways to move your parish OCIA process from maintenance-mode into a true conversion journey that inspires seekers to lifelong discipleship. Whether you're an OCIA veteran or just getting started, this book will be your companion and guide as you plan for the change your parish needs to initiate seekers into Christ.

120 pages, 6" x 9" Paperback

Publication Date: 12/15/2018