Formation
OCIA & Adult Faith
Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic faith?
A Journey of Faith
OCIA (formerly RCIA): Becoming Catholic
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the Church’s process for welcoming and accompanying adults who want to explore the Catholic faith or prepare to receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.
People begin this journey for many reasons. Some encounter the beauty of the Mass, others witness the faith of a Catholic friend or relative, and some simply recognize a desire to know Jesus Christ and His Church more deeply.
OCIA is not merely a class. It is a process of prayer, formation, discernment, conversion, and participation in the life of the Catholic community.
From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages.
Cathechism of the catholic church, 1229
Questions Are Welcome
A place to learn, ask, and discern
OCIA offers a welcoming place to ask honest questions about God, Jesus Christ, the Church, suffering, forgiveness, purpose, and the path God may be asking you to follow.
You may be wondering whether God is calling you, how Catholic Christianity differs from other traditions, what gives life meaning, or how faith can bring forgiveness, hope, and peace. You do not have to arrive with all the answers. The purpose of the process is to learn, pray, and discern your next step.
Who is OCIA for?
You are welcome to begin a conversation even if you are uncertain about becoming Catholic or do not yet know which path applies to you.
Those who have never been baptized
Adults who want to learn about the Catholic Church and may feel called to become Catholic Christians.
Baptized Christians
Adults baptized in another Christian tradition who desire full communion with the Catholic Church.
Baptized Catholics
Catholic adults who wish to complete the Sacraments of Christian Initiation through Confirmation and/or Holy Eucharist.
Returning Catholics
Catholics who have been away from the Church and desire reconciliation and a renewed sacramental life.
What to Expect
Prayer, formation, and conversation
Sessions are generally held weekly from August through Pentecost, and the parish welcomes inquiries throughout the year. Each gathering includes welcome and fellowship, formation, discussion, time for questions, and closing prayer.
OCIA is also a process of conversion: a lifelong response to God’s invitation. Conversion gives us a new way of understanding ourselves and the world. It begins with God’s grace, continues throughout Christian life, and helps us share His love more fully with others.
What we explore together
OCIA provides room for your questions while introducing the beliefs, worship, moral life, prayer, and mission of the Catholic Church.
- The Trinity, faith, and the God who is love
- Divine Revelation: God seeks us
- The Bible: God’s love letter to humanity
- Creation, the Fall, and redemption
- Who is Jesus?
- The Paschal Mystery
- The Holy Spirit and the life of grace
- Why do I need the Church?
- Mary and the saints
- The last things and life after death
- The seven sacraments
- A walk through the Mass
- Catholic moral teaching, virtue, and grace
- Church history, the papacy, and the Magisterium
- Catholic traditions of prayer and the Rosary
- A tour of the church
- Authentic love and God’s plan for sexuality
- Catholic social teaching
The OCIA Process
Four periods of preparation and growth
The journey unfolds gradually. Each period allows time for prayer, learning, discernment, and a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church.
Period 1
Inquiry
This is a time for questions, an introduction to the Gospel, and the beginnings of faith and conversion. There is no pressure to make a commitment before you are ready.
Period 2
Catechumenate
Those who decide to continue enter a period of prayer, formation, celebration of the Word, and growth in faith and conversion to God.
Period 3
Purification and enlightenment
This Lenten season offers deeper reflection and conversion through prayer, the scrutinies, presentations, and retreat as participants prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation.
PERIOD 4
Mystagogy
After initiation, the newly received continue learning and enter more fully into the sacramental life and mission of the Catholic community.
From past participants
What participants have shared
I feel more in touch with Christ since I started the OCIA process. It has brought me and my family closer together.
The OCIA process strengthened my beliefs and my understanding of what Jesus sacrificed for us.
It was an incredible experience, and I should have done it sooner. I enjoyed every minute and learned so many important things about Jesus and the Catholic faith.
The relaxed, no-pressure approach was critical for me. I was welcomed and allowed to participate at my personal comfort level.
How to Begin
Begin with a conversation
Your first step is a personal conversation with the OCIA team. This is an opportunity to share your faith background, explain what has brought you to this point, and ask questions. The parish will help you understand the process and the sacraments for which you may be preparing.
Contact Diane in the parish office to ask a question or begin your OCIA journey
