How do I become Catholic and what is the OCIA?

If you have been thinking about the Catholic Faith but have been waiting for someone to invite you to take the first step, here is your invitation.

If you wish to celebrate Baptism in the Catholic Church, we invite you to participate in the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). This is the Catholic Church’s official process for those seeking Baptism. All those taking this journey meet with a parish team on Sunday mornings from 12PM – 1PM. The formal process consists of a period of Inquiry, a Catechetical period during which one learns specifically about the Catholic Church and a period of Spiritual Formation during Lent. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place at the Easter Vigil. And then, of course, the journey of discipleship continues throughout one’s lifetime.

Perhaps you are already baptized in another faith tradition, but wish to enter full communion with the Catholic Church. We invite you to join us in the OCIA journey, so that you can learn about the rich teachings and traditions of Catholicism.

If you have been baptized Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation, this process would deepen your understanding as an adult and is highly recommended.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults - OCIA

OCIA, which stands for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter into the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass.

Participants in OCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess their faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The OCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism.

What is meant when people refer to men and women coming into “full communion with the Church?”

Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for men and women who are baptized. These individuals make a profession of faith but they are not baptized again.

To prepare for this reception the people, who are called “candidates,” participate in a formation program to help them understand and experience the specific teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.

OCIA meets yearly from September through Easter.