Why the Change from R.C.I.A. to O.C.I.A.?
This change helps the language be more closely aligned with the original Latin according to St. John Paul II’s 2001 translation guidelines. In 2001, Pope John Paul II issued a new set of guidelines for the translation of ritual books from Latin into other languages. We experienced this with the new translation of the Mass in 2012. The Church has been intentionally translating the ritual books according to these 2001 guidelines.
We then look at the Latin text from the OCIA ritual book, ordo initiationis christianæ adultorum. When it was originally translated into English in 1972, the word ordo was translated as rite. In the new translation for English, based on the 2001 guidelines, the word order is a more accurate translation of the Latin. Other examples of ritual books that have undergone this update are the Rite of Funerals, the Rite of Marriage, the Rite of Confirmation to the Order of Christian Funerals, the Order of Celebrating Matrimony, and the Order of Confirmation. Therefore RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).
This more accurate translation also helps to fosters the idea that the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is not one rite or one process. It reflects that this is a journey of walking alongside people discerning Catholicism within the teachings and Liturgical seasons of the Faith. It’s a reminder that we are all on a lifelong journey to follow Christ and His Church resulting in a continual conversion of heart. See (https://teamrcia.com/2018/08/rcia-or-ocia-rite-vs-order-in-the-catechumenate/ and https://teamrcia.com/2022/05/faq-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-translation-of-the-rite-of-christian-initiation-of-adults/) for more info.
Those seeking to join or learn more about the Catholic Faith feel free to reach out to the Faith Formation Director, FormationThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 785-565-5000 for more information. God bless you in your faith journey!
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