What is the OCIA Process?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process of conversion leading to the initiation into the Catholic Christian community. This process provides individuals the opportunity to encounter God and respond to His invitation to a new way of life in the Catholic faith. Grounded in a respect for the personal faith journey of each individual, the OCIA process provides an extended period of prayer, study, and fellowship in which each individual has the opportunity to grow in relationship with God and become integrated into the life of the parish community.
We welcome all who wish to participate fully in the Catholic Church. Our mission is to help God's people to prepare for full initiation in our faith. While OCIA requires a commitment of time, participants consistently find the process to be more accessible than anticipated and a profoundly rewarding experience, regardless of their age or previous level of religious involvement.
Who is the OCIA Process for?
- Catechumens: Older Teens and Adults who have never been baptized and wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion) in the Catholic Church.
- Candidates: Older Teens and Adults who were baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
- Candidates: Older Teens and Adults who are baptized Catholics who have not completed their initiation; by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
How does the OCIA Process work?
Participants gather weekly after the 8:00 AM Sunday Mass beginning in September and continue through Holy Week to reflect on and learn about what it means to be part of the Catholic Christian community – who we are, what we believe, how we celebrate and pray, how we relate with one another, and with God. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions as they embrace the conversion process and also reflect on their own personal faith journey. Catechumens and Candidates will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.
What Are the Next Steps?
Please complete the Inquiry Questionnaire and return it to the parish office or email a pdf copy to
Download and complete the Inquiry Questionnaire
