The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (O.C.I.A.) is a process designed for adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and/or are thinking about becoming Catholic. We typically welcome new members to join a formation group in the Fall of each year; sacraments are received when individuals are fully prepared. The meetings present an overview of Catholic beliefs and provide an opportunity to ask questions and explore your feelings and any concerns you might have.
The OCIA exerts no pressure on people in any way; you will find yourself in a friendly and welcoming group where you can comfortably contemplate this important decision in your life. During the course of the process, members of the OCIA group are invited to participate in several preparatory Rites, which usually take place during Sunday Mass. During Lent, OCIA members are dismissed after the Sunday homily to reflect on the Sunday readings with a facilitator until the end of Mass.
Those who go through the process who have not yet been baptized (called catechumens) typically have the opportunity to join the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where they receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Those who are already validly baptized and feel drawn to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church are typically received into Full Communion at the Easter Vigil as well.
Those wishing to talk about this process, please call the office.