The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or OCIA is the way that the Catholic Church helps people prepare for life as an adult Catholic.
• Do you have questions about the Catholic Faith and are not Catholic?
• Are you a Christian who wants to learn more about Catholicism?
• Has God been calling you to consider Catholic Christian faith?
• Are you an adult Catholic who has never received First Holy Communion or Confirmation?
If you answer yes to any of these questions please join us. You do not need to have decided to become Catholic to begin the first part of OCIA called Inquiry. There is no obligation on your part except to inquire. We are here to help you discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in your life. Inquiry is a chance for you to ask questions, hear the good news of Catholic Christian life and open the way for continued spiritual growth. A companion will join with you on your journey.
Later, when all your questions are answered and you choose to continue your faith formation you will participate in the Rite of Acceptance. You will, then, begin formal preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation within the Catechumenate. Those who will be received into the Church are immersed in the Church’s prayers and love to prepare for fruitful reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion).
OCIA prepares and initiates people into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. The OCIA is the modern form of the “catechumenate” of the early days of the Church. Becoming Christian in the first five centuries involved a sharp break with the surrounding Roman culture. New Catholic Christians entered into a way of living which demanded deep commitment and often risked their lives to become Christian. In the modern world, our faith also demands deep commitment — our beliefs and the beliefs of our society are often in tension.
1. Adults desiring baptism
2. Adults baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic
3. Adults baptized Catholic seeking to complete their full initiation in the Church
(First Eucharist and/or Confirmation)
The time varies and is dependent on each individual, but is rarely shorter than six months or longer than three years. The Church greatly respects the time each person needs for conversion and decision.