What is OCIA?
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…" (Ezekiel 36:26)
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is rooted in biblical themes of evangelization, conversion, baptism, and becoming a "new creation" in Christ. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or “OCIA” is the normative way to receive formation and prepare to enter the Catholic Church.
This process was previously known as RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, until the U.S. bishops renamed it in 2021 to reflect a more accurate translation of the original Latin. OCIA has four phases designed to intellectually form and spiritually prepare participants — who have attained the age of reason (generally around the age of 7) — to become Catholic.
Who can enter OCIA?
- Unbaptized adults: Those who have never been baptized can enter the OCIA process to learn about the Catholic faith and prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion).
- Baptized Christians from other denominations: Individuals baptized in another Christian faith who want to become Catholic and be in full communion with the Church can join the OCIA process to celebrate Confirmation and Holy Communion.
- Baptized Catholics who haven't completed initiation: Catholics who were baptized as infants but never received First Communion and Confirmation can go through the formation process in OCIA to prepare for these sacraments.
- Anyone curious about the Catholic faith: The OCIA process is open to anyone interested in exploring Catholicism and learning about the Church's beliefs and practices.
What are the stages?
- Evangelization and Prechatechumenate: The inquirer learns of Christ and is drawn to the Catholic Church; he or she takes part in a period of searching and takes the first step toward becoming Catholic by conversing with a priest or parish director of Christian initiation to become a catechumen.
- Catechumenate: Usually over the course of a year or less, a catechumen or candidate takes this time to learn more about the Catholic faith and what it means for his or her life. The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Election take place during this stage.
- Purification and Enlightenment: During Lent, a catechumen anticipates his or her initiation into the Catholic Church through prayer and learning. Initiation commonly takes place on the Easter Vigil, which is the culmination of the process where catechumens and candidates receive the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist.)
- Mystagogy: After being received into the Church, newly initiated Catholics continue to be formed in their faith during what the Church calls the “Period of Mystagogy.” This lasts until Pentecost, the feast 50 days after Easter in which the Church celebrates the birth of the Church, when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples.
How do I join an OCIA program?
To join an OCIA program, contact our parish office.
A priest or parish leader of Christian initiation may want to meet with you to discuss your desire to become Catholic and help to guide you through the next steps of the process.