OCIC/RCIC Classes Online for Children & Young People | Children's Catechumenate

 

What Do OCIC and RCIC Mean? Understanding the Current Terminology

The Church's official English ritual book is now called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Chapter II of that book contains the Order of Initiation of Children Who Have Reached Catechetical Age. This is the official name for the initiation process used for unbaptized children who have reached the use of reason but have not yet completed their fourteenth year.

RCIC has long been used informally to mean "Rite of Christian Initiation of Children" or "RCIA adapted for children." Following the change from RCIA to OCIA, some parishes now use OCIC as an informal abbreviation. Neither abbreviation is the formal title of a separate ritual book, but both remain useful and familiar descriptions of the children's initiation process.

This process is also called the children's catechumenate, OCIA adapted for children, or Baptism preparation for older children. All of these descriptions concern age-appropriate catechesis for unbaptized children preparing to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.

Who Needs OCIC/RCIC? Age Groups & Circumstances

The children's catechumenate serves unbaptized children who have reached the use of reason and need sacramental preparation. Here is how the Church ordinarily distinguishes the relevant age groups:

1. Children under 7 (below age of reason): Can be baptized without requiring religious education classes beforehand. After baptism, they begin religious education when they start school.
2. Children from age 7 until completing age 14 (unbaptized): Ordinarily follow the Order of Initiation of Children Who Have Reached Catechetical Age and receive age-appropriate formation before Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion.
3. Youth age 14 and older and adults (unbaptized): Ordinarily follow the adult order within OCIA, with catechesis suited to their maturity and circumstances.
4. Children already baptized: Receive ongoing religious education through parish CCD programs or similar faith formation programs.

Can My Unbaptized Child Take OCIC or RCIC Classes Online?

Yes. Our online course provides comprehensive Catholic formation for unbaptized children of catechetical age preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. Lessons are completed online at the student's own pace and include quizzes, automatic grading, and progress records.

Can a Child Baptized in Another Christian Denomination Use This Course?

Yes. The course can provide Catholic instruction for children who were validly baptized outside the Catholic Church and are now preparing to enter into full communion. Because they are already baptized, they are candidates rather than catechumens, but they can still benefit from the same comprehensive Catholic formation.

Why Is Baptism Essential for Children? The Sacrament's Importance

Baptism is the life-giving Sacrament instituted by Christ to remove original sin from our souls. It is the means by which we become members of God's Church and are incorporated into His Mystical Body. Baptism is necessary for salvation, so we should never delay having our children baptized.

However, circumstances sometimes prevent children from being baptized as infants. These circumstances may include:

1. Children adopted into Catholic families who were not baptized previously
2. Children from non-Catholic backgrounds now living with Catholic families or guardians
3. Children whose parents delayed baptism for personal reasons and now seek to correct this
4. Children in foster or guardianship situations newly entering a Catholic environment

OCIC/RCIC exists precisely for these situations, ensuring that no child is prevented from receiving this essential sacrament due to age or circumstance. Through OCIC/RCIC, these children receive the instruction necessary to understand and receive Baptism and full sacramental initiation.

Is the Children's Catechumenate the Same as OCIC or RCIC?

In ordinary parish usage, these expressions generally refer to the same process of initiating unbaptized children who have reached catechetical age. The official and informal terms should be distinguished:

1. Official title: "Order of Initiation of Children Who Have Reached Catechetical Age," found in Chapter II of OCIA
2. OCIC: Newer informal abbreviation used by some parishes following the change from RCIA to OCIA
3. RCIC: Familiar older informal abbreviation that remains widely used
4. Children's Catechumenate: Descriptive term emphasizing the catechetical (teaching) dimension

Regardless of terminology, the goal remains the same: preparing children through comprehensive religious education so they can receive Baptism and enter full communion with the Catholic Church.

OCIC/RCIC vs. Other Sacramental Preparation: Key Distinctions

Many parents ask how OCIC/RCIC differs from other sacramental programs. The key difference is who is being initiated:

1. Christian Initiation for Children (often called OCIC or RCIC): Prepares unbaptized children who have reached the use of reason but have not yet completed their fourteenth year to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion. Older youth ordinarily follow the adult order within OCIA, with instruction adapted to their age and maturity.
2. RCIA/OCIA (Adults & Older Youth): For older youth and adults who have not been baptized and seek to enter the Catholic Church. Uses adult-level catechesis appropriate for mature learners and those approaching or at adulthood.
3. CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine): Ongoing religious education for children and youth already baptized, continuing year after year to deepen their understanding of the Faith as they grow.
4. Sacramental Preparation (General): General sacramental preparation programs covering various sacraments for baptized children and youth in ongoing faith formation.

Once a child completes OCIC/RCIC and receives Baptism and the Sacraments, their ongoing faith formation follows the standard sacramental progression of the Church (typically CCD or other parish religious education programs).

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What's Included in Our OCIC/RCIC Curriculum?

Our Young Adult Faith Formation course was carefully designed by Fr. James Zatalava and provides extensive Catholic instruction for children and young people preparing to receive the Sacraments and enter the Catholic Church. The curriculum includes over 150 comprehensive lessons:

1. ✓ Explanation of all 12 Articles of the Creed
2. ✓ Study of the Seven Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing, Holy Orders, Matrimony)
3. ✓ The Role of the Church in God's Plan of Salvation
4. ✓ The Ten Commandments and the Commandments of the Church
5. ✓ Detailed Explanation of the Holy Mass
6. ✓ Comprehensive Study of the Old and New Testaments
7. ✓ Guide to Living a Life Founded on Christian Morality
8. ✓ Additional lessons on prayer, virtue, saints, and spiritual development

Complete Package Includes:

1. ✓ Over 150 interactive lessons
2. ✓ Comprehensive quizzes for each section (automatically graded)
3. ✓ Complete record-keeping and progress tracking
4. ✓ Certificate of Completion available upon request after satisfying the applicable program requirements; processing fees apply
5. ✓ Self-paced learning (no deadlines or time constraints)
6. ✓ Lifetime access (access never expires)
7. ✓ Access for parents/guardians to monitor progress

How Long Do Online OCIC/RCIC Classes Take?

The course is self-paced, has no fixed completion deadline, and does not expire. The time required depends on the student's schedule, previous knowledge, and pace of study. Sacramental scheduling is handled separately from completion of the online coursework.

Why Choose Online OCIC/RCIC? The Benefits of Learning at Home

The CatechismClass.com Online OCIC/RCIC Program offers unique advantages:

Who Uses Our OCIC/RCIC Course?

Our course is designed for multiple audiences:

• ✓ Catholic Parents: Homeschooling families or parents preparing their child for baptism and sacraments
• ✓ Parishes & DREs: Directors of Religious Education using this as a parish-wide OCIC/RCIC curriculum
• ✓ Catechists: Religious education teachers using this curriculum to instruct OCIC/RCIC candidates
• ✓ Priests & Pastors: Church leaders seeking faithful, comprehensive catechetical resources
• ✓ Blended Learning Programs: Combining online lessons with periodic in-person sacrament preparation

Does Our OCIC/RCIC Course Have Catholic Endorsements?

Yes. CatechismClass.com has received support, endorsements, and favorable reviews from leading Catholic figures and institutions:

• ✓ Dr. Scott Hahn — Leading Catholic theologian and Scripture scholar
• ✓ Karl Keating — Founder of Catholic Answers
• ✓ Numerous priests and bishops — Church hierarchy endorses our curriculum
• ✓ CatholicCulture.org — Rated "Excellent" for fidelity and resources

Our curriculum is grounded in Catholic doctrine and is used by families and parishes nationwide. Explore our About Us page for additional endorsements and testimonials.

What Parents Say About Our OCIC/RCIC Course

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Ready to Prepare Your Child for Baptism?

Don't delay your child's entry into the Catholic Church. Our comprehensive OCIC/RCIC course provides everything needed for sacramental preparation, with the flexibility and affordability of online learning.

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Related resources:
Adult RCIA/OCIA Classes | Baptism for Older Children | Sacramental Preparation | About Us & Endorsements

Terminology reviewed and updated September 29, 2026, to reflect the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.