Everything you need to know
OCIA Transition coming in January 2026
Our diocese, at Archbishop’s request, is transitioning to align more closely with the USCCB’s desires for the process of entering the Church. It is Archbishop’s desire that “all individuals who enter the catechumenate (through the Rite of Entrance) after January 1, 2026, should spend a minimum of one year in the catechumenate before they are presented at the Rite of Election”.
In addition to this timeline transition, the office has been working with Archbishop on clarifying and standardizing the topics that must be covered in the catechumenate, in accordance with Norm 17 of the National Statues for the Christian Initiation for Adults as well as OCIA, 12. In early 2024, we began the process of soliciting feedback from all of our parishes on this “Outline of Essential Formation for the Catechumenate”. We created a focus group with priests, deacons, and lay representatives from across the diocese to evaluate the feedback received and incorporate it into the document. On August 26, 2025, Archbishop approved the final draft of this outline of essential formation and decreed it in accordance with OCIA 12 and 34 and canons 7 and 391 § 1-2 of the Code of Canon Law. As Archbishop indicated in his letter to the presbyterate, this required outline of formation will go into effect in conjunction with the transition to the one-year catechumenate on January 1, 2026.
The Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries is committing to supporting parishes in this transition. We have been creating resources to aid parishes in this transition for the entire process, including the period of evangelization.
Transition Resources
On August 26, 2025, Archbishop Aquila decreed that this outline of essential formation for the catechumenate is required for all catechumens entering the process by Rite of Election after January 1, 2026.
This is an explanation of 2 different ways to set up the catechumenate to ensure multiple entry points into the catechumenate. Also included are best practices for the period of the catechumenate, the period of purification and enlightenment, and the period of mystagogy, and sponsor resources. More specific resources for the transition will continue to be added here!
This is a document offering different ideas, strategies, and processes around evangelization at a parish. While not prescriptive, we hope that this document can offer some jumping off points that can start the conversation in your parish office.
Upcoming Sponsor Trainings
To assist parishes in forming sponsors as accompaniers and mentors, the Office of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries will be hosting four regional trainings (in English and in Spanish). All trainings are 6-9 pm.
Queen of Peace Parish (Aurora)
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (Fort Collins)
Light of the World Parish (Littleton) (English only)
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (Northglenn)
Unable to attend a meeting?
If you or your sponsors are unable to attend one of these trainings, we will continue putting them on by request at individual parishes as we are able to. In addition, we will be putting together a “Training Resource Packet” if you would like to host your own training using our materials!
Please reach out to office.eflm@archden.org to schedule a training at your parish.