OCIA

The RCIA process is now called OCIA, reflecting a closer translation of the processby which adults are initiated into the Catholic faith.

The Second Vatican Council reinstated what was referred to in the early Church as the “catechumenate,” a process of initiation for adults that culminates in baptism.

Initially this was called in English by the acronym RCIA, standing for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is composed of five distinct periods (evangelization, precatechumenate, catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, and mystagogy), marking the progress of an adult converting to the Catholic faith.

However, in November 2021, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a new translation of the name of this process, now calling it OCIA, the “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

While it may seem like a small change, many see this as a new turning point.

According to Meloy for the Detroit Catholic, “rites are still part of the order but the new structure is meant to invite candidates and catechumens into a continuous process of spiritual formation as opposed to fixed checkpoints on the path to baptism, first Communion and confirmation.”

Taken from an Article here