OCIA
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
Becoming Catholic is an incredible, life-changing spiritual journey.
This trek normally takes several months depending on the readiness of each individual. This journey is called Christian Initiation and there are ceremonies or ‘Rites’ at each stage to celebrate the steps along the way. The whole journey is called the catechumenate process and follows the ‘Order of Christian Initiation of Adults’ or OCIA for short.
For most adults, contemplating becoming a Catholic Christian results from a gradual process of realizing God’s call and becoming more aware of God’s grace in your life.
The journey of answering God’s call is done by preparing for and celebrating the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. The reception of these sacraments brings one into full communion with the Catholic Church.
- If you are seeking baptism, you would begin a process called the Catechumenate.
- If you are already baptized, you would follow a process of continuing conversion leading up to your reception of Confirmation and the Eucharist.
The Easter Vigil, the night before Easter Sunday, is usually the time of celebration with all of these Sacraments of Initiation –– a festive celebration of great joy.
You would be joining a community of disciples. Therefore you would be guided along the way by members of our faith community who would share with you and pass on their lived experience of Catholic Christianity. These accompanying persons are members of our OCIA team, and it is their role to assist you in the understanding and practice of worship and the way of life according to Catholic tradition.
To get started, inform the parish office that you wish to begin the OCIA Inquiry. (There is no cost, and you may withdraw at any point). The parish office will then put you in touch with a member of the OCIA team and from there your journey begins.
OCIC
Order of Christian Initiation for Children
