Adult Preparation (OCIA)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process used by the Roman Catholic Church to initiate new members into the Catholic faith. The program is designed primarily for those who have not been baptized, Catholics who never received Communion or Confirmation, or for those who belong to another church and wish to become Catholic.  

How does OCIA Work? 
Like every journey, OCIA is a process that takes time, personal reflection and discernment. Members meet twice a month from late September until Holy Saturday, guided by the OCIA director and others on the team. Members seek answers to their questions, share their life stories and reflect on the place of God in their lives. The Catechumens (those who have never been baptized) and the Candidates (those who were baptized at some point in their lives) receive instruction in the faith, reflect more intensely on the Scriptures, and commit themselves to praying and striving to live the gospel message of Jesus. Following their initiation and reception into the Church, the new Catholics come to a deeper appreciation of their faith and, along with the parish, share fully in the sacramental life of the church.  

• Conversion is central to initiation into faith in Jesus Christ.
• Conversion is a process and therefore cannot be rushed.
• Conversion involves learning about the faith and celebrating the faith.
• The initiation of new members is the responsibility of the entire parish faith community.
• The truths of Christian faith are unfolded gradually.
• This process integrates the Word of God into our daily life.