Adult Faith Formation
Most adults are capable of a free and informed response of faith to God’s initiative of love. They “have a right and a duty to bring to maturity the seed of faith sown in them by God.” (General Directory for Catechesis # 173) They have experienced the joys and challenges of life and have the capacity to question the truth and meaning of life. National Directory for Catechesis
St. Sylvester Parish offers a variety of opportunities for adult catechesis.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) formerly known as R.C.I.A.
For adults who would like to become Catholic, or for adults who for whatever reason did not complete the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist/Holy Communion).
- Invites and enables adults “to acquire an attitude of conversion to the Lord.” (International Council for Catechesis, USCCB, 1992 #36)
- Helps adults to make a “conscious and firm decision to live the gift and choice of faith through membership in the Christian Community.”(Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community, # 37)
- Helps adults to become “more willing and able to be a Christian disciple in the world.”(Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community, # 38)
- Process of Becoming Catholic: OCIA is the structured process through which individuals, who are not already baptized or are from other Christian traditions, prepare to become full members of the Catholic Church.
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Educational and Formative: It involves a period of learning about the Catholic faith, including the scriptures, the sacraments, and the Church's traditions.
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Community Involvement: OCIA participants are involved in the life of the parish community and are encouraged to experience the liturgical and moral life of Catholics.
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Preparation for Sacraments: The process culminates in the celebration of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).
- Mystagogy: After being initiated, there is a period of mystagogy where newly initiated Catholics continue to learn and grow in their faith.
Who is it for?
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Non-Baptized Adults: Individuals who have not been baptized in any Christian tradition.
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Adults of Other Faith Traditions: Those who have been baptized but are from different Christian traditions and seek to become Catholic.
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Catholics Seeking Initiation Sacraments: Catholics who have not received the sacraments of initiation can also use OCIA to complete their preparation.
Please contact the Faith Formation Office at 631-475-4506 x:113
Adult Confirmation and Eucharist or Confirmation only
For adults who would like to prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist or Confirmation only. Please call the Faith Formation Office at 631-475-4506 x:113