Order of Christian Initiation of Adults to Be Used December 2024
Jul 8, 2024

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults to Be Used December 2024

The English and Spanish editions of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and Ritual de la Iniciación cristiana de adultos (RICA) were confirmed by the Holy See on February 14, 2024. Following the customary editorial review period by the Secretariat of Divine Worship, a timeline for implementation was recommended to and approved by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops President, in a decree of promulgation issued Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

The revised OCIA–RICA may first be used on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024, and the mandatory implementation date has been set for Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

In addition, after the confirmation of the National Statutes for the Christian Initiation of Adults, that text was referred to the Secretariat of Doctrine for a review period. Following their recommendation, Archbishop Broglio promulgated the statutes on April 25, 2024, fixing the implementation date for the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024, at which time the 1988 National Statutes for the Catechumenate will be abrogated.


Image Source: AB/USCCB

USCCB Committee on Divine Worship

The Committee on Divine Worship, a standing committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has the responsibility for all matters relating to the Liturgy. The Secretariat of Divine Worship carries out the work of the Committee on Divine Worship, by: –overseeing the preparation and approval of liturgical books and texts and granting the concordat cum originali for publications of liturgical texts in the United States; –reviewing all publications in the United States which contain excerpts from approved liturgical books; –providing leadership in liturgical formation and sacramental catechesis, especially by means of its monthly Newsletter and other publications; and –serving as a resource for Bishops and Diocesan liturgical commissions and offices of Worship seeking advice.