Becoming Catholic: OCIA

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process for adults and teens who desire to join or return to the Catholic Church. It is formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). In 2024, the title was changed to accurately reflect the process of entering the Church as it is actually a series of rites, not a singular rite.

OCIA is open both to individuals who have never been baptized and to those who have been baptized in another Christian (non-Catholic) community. The process extends through the year, beginning with a period of inquiry into the Catholic faith and culminating at the Easter Vigil when one is baptized (if one is not already validly baptized) and welcomed into the Catholic Church through a profession of faith, the sacrament of Confirmation, and reception of Holy Communion. 

Our program is designed to draw individuals into the fullness of life in Christ. It therefore has three components: liturgical (i.e., a sacramental focus), catechetical (i.e., a focus on the teaching of Christ and the Church), and pastoral (i.e., a focus on developing each individual’s relationship with Christ through prayer and personality development). We are blessed to have Fr Mark and Fr Cristobal deeply involved in the program. 

We are excited to have been able to add a teen wing to our program, so that we can best meet the particular needs of our younger inquirers, so that they can develop as mature Christians with the help and support of a youth community. 

We meet on most Sundays after the 10:30 AM Mass in the Parish Center. Meetings begin at 11:45 AM. A light lunch is provided. For a detailed schedule and a sign-up form, please see below.

If you would like information on how adults can receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), please contact Maria Habib, Pastoral Assistant & Homebound Ministry.

Parents who desire Baptism for their infants and older children should contact Jacqui Hayes, Communications & Family Formation.