Adult Ministry of Initiation (AMI)

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)

Taking a Look at the Catholic Church

A Faith Journey

• An ongoing process
• Continuing exploration of discipleship
• Searching together with other adults

Will you join us on this journey?

What is it?

Formerly known as RCIA, the AMI is the process by which men and women become members of the Catholic Church. The AMI goes on within the context of the parish community and, after a suitable period of formation, culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.

Who should consider AMI?

The process of Christian initiation is for adults who are...

• Interested in learning more about the Catholic Church
• Unbaptized, seeking Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist or searching for spirituality in your life
• Baptized, but have never received any formal religious education or completed the sacraments of Initiation - Confirmation and Eucharist
• Married to a Catholic and you attend Mass with them, and you want to share in their faith
• Seeking something in your life, but are not sure what it is

Formation includes several areas:

Scripture: the stories of God’s people
Teaching: what Catholics believe
Prayer: how we communicate with God
Liturgy: how the community worships
Mission: how we live out what we believe

Some AMI terms:

Catechumenate: the process of formation leading to entrance into the Catholic Church
Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
Catechumen: an unbaptized person who seeks entrance into the Church
Candidate: a person baptized in another Christian faith tradition that seeks membership in the Catholic Church

How does it work?

God calls and we respond. In the process of Christian Initiation, men and women at all stages of the faith journey come together in a non-threatening, non-pressured atmosphere to learn more about the Catholic Church as their way of following Jesus.

The OCIA provides a forum for shared spiritual growth and a means to explore the Catholic Christian tradition through the scripture, sacraments, church teaching and social outreach, all in the midst of the Catholic faith community.

For more information, contact Marie Staffa at 847-885-7700 x124 or mstaffa@sainthubert.org.