OCIA

What is OCIA?

 The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA, (formerly RCIA) is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church. This process is a return to the formation of the earliest members of the Church in the first and second centuries.

All are Welcome!

OCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.

OCIA is a Journey

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:

List of Services

OCIA Team

People journeying through the OCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The OCIA team helps guide, support and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take to go through the OCIA process?

    This depends on how ready you are to begin! Generally, the Catechumenate begins in the fall, but this is determined by your own readiness.

  • Is there a fee for going through this process?

    There is no fee for this process.

  • Is OCIA like taking a course?

    No. OCIA is a process of faith formation, catechesis (teaching of the faith), and spiritual growth. While reading/resources will be suggested and recommended, there are no requirements like one might have when taking a formal course.

  • What if I have to miss some sessions because of family or work commitments or travel?

    No worries. We understand these conflicts. We will make sure that you receive missed handouts and that one of the catechists or other facilitators can be available to you to answer questions and talk about the session that you missed.

  • I heard that I need a sponsor in order to become Catholic. What is that and how do I get one?

    A sponsor is a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church who accompanies you on your journey through OCIA.  The sponsor helps you through the process and verifies at the main rites that you are ready to take the next step.

  • Do I need to find my own sponsor?

    No. If needed, one of our team will be provided for  you. Of course, if you know a person who meets these requirements, feel free to ask that individual to participate in the OCIA process with you.

To register for classes or for further information, please contact
Kevin Geraghty at 508-954-8017 or Karen Geraghty at 508-930-8280.

Share by: