What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a communal journey of faith for adults who are seeking to become full members of the Catholic Church. Rooted in the practices of the early Church, this process invites individuals into a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer, formation, and participation in the life of the parish community.
All are Welcome!
- Personal reflection and spiritual growth
- Faith-sharing and learning within a supportive group
- Participation in liturgical rites that mark key steps along the way
- Gradual integration into the life and worship of the parish
- Whether you are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian denomination, or simply curious about the Catholic faith, you are welcome here.
OCIA Is a Journey | The Stages of OCIA
List of Services
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Period of Inquiry | "Come and See"List Item 1
The journey begins with the Period of Inquiry, a time when individuals explore the Catholic faith, ask questions, and discern if God is calling them to become part of the Church. During this period, seekers are invited to learn about the basics of the Catholic faith and experience the welcoming community of the Church. No commitment is required at this stage—just a desire to learn more and an openness to discovering God's calling.
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Period of Catechesis | "Deepening Our Faith"List Item 2
Once a person decides to continue on the journey, they enter the Period of Catechesis. This is the time of deeper learning and spiritual growth, where participants engage in the study of the Sacraments, teachings, and prayer of the Catholic Church. For those who are unbaptized (catechumens), this is the period leading to Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. For those already baptized in another Christian tradition (candidates), the focus is on preparing to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
In this stage, participants are welcomed into the worship and life of the Church as they grow in understanding of Catholic teachings and how to live them out in daily life.
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Rite of Election | "Affirming Our Readiness"List Item 3
As the journey progresses, the Rite of Election marks a key moment when catechumens (those unbaptized) and candidates (those baptized in another Christian tradition) are publicly affirmed in their readiness for the final stages of initiation. During this celebratory rite, they are formally called by the Church to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. This is a moment of great joy and anticipation, as the community acknowledges the commitment and faith of those seeking full communion.
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Sacraments of Initiation | "Entering Full Communion"List Item 4
The culmination of the OCIA journey is the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation (for those unbaptized) or Eucharist and Confirmation (for baptized candidates). These sacraments, typically celebrated at the Easter Vigil or another liturgical gathering, mark the full initiation of participants into the Catholic Church. This is a deeply transformative moment, as participants become full members of the Church, receiving the grace and strength to live as disciples of Christ.
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Mystagogy | "Living the Faith"
This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
