OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)

The doors of our Church are wide open! You are invited to come in! 
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process of initiation into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. OCIA is not simply a program, but a journey of encounter with Jesus Christ and His Church. It is a path of accompaniment where you are invited to grow in relationship with God, discover the beauty of the Catholic faith, and discern your next steps.

Why OCIA?

• Are you interested in becoming Catholic?
• Do you want to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
• Are you seeking to learn about Catholicism as the result of an interfaith marriage or other relationship?
• Have you not fully completed the Sacraments of Initiation?
• Do you simply wonder what the journey entails?
  
  

No pressure.  No expectations.  Just an open door. The ultimate OCIA goal, to be Eucharist for the world, carries out Vatican II’s vision of what the Church is today: the manifestation of Christ’s presence and grace at work in the world.
 
Who is it for?

• The un-baptized (Catechuman) who would like to learn more about the Catholic religion.
• Those who were baptized in another Christian Tradition (Candidate) who may wish to become Catholic.
• Those who were baptized Catholic who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) or who have not been raised in the Catholic faith.

How Long is the Process and When Do You meet?
Each person who inquires about becoming Catholic is paired with a Parish Mentor—someone who will walk alongside you, listen, pray with you, and accompany you throughout your journey. Together with the support of the parish community, you will experience faith not just as something to learn, but as a relationship to live. 

We gather on the First and Third Wednesdays of each month from 7:00–8:00 PM in the Parish Center (Madonna Room) for prayer, conversation, and reflection. These gatherings create space for honest questions, shared faith, and deeper encounter.

What to expect
This journey is personal—there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some may be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil, while others continue their journey at a pace that reflects their readiness. Wherever you are, we will walk with you.

Your journey matters
If life circumstances arise or questions emerge, know that you are not alone. Your Mentor and the parish community are here to accompany you every step of the way. And if you are not yet ready to enter the Church, that is okay. Faith unfolds in its own time.

History of OCIA
OCIA dates to the very Early Church. It is the process where fully initiated Catholics walk with those seeking full communion with the church. During your journey, you will be prepared to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. Moreover, through the witness and prayers of the community, OCIA prepares you to enter a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Then you can share your gifts and talents, at Christ’s call, to strengthen the Church.