Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a series of weekly gatherings open to those seeking to draw closer to Jesus Christ by learning more about the Catholic faith. People are invited to enter into a faith journey to discover whether God is calling them to become Catholic. OCIA is also open to anyone, Catholic or otherwise, who would simply like to know more about the church's teachings. The sessions prepare adults for the sacraments of initiation, which can include Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. These sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil, the Saturday night before Easter Sunday.

Just because you start OCIA, doesn't mean you are committed to finishing. If you are merely curious about what Catholicism is, please feel free to come. All are welcome.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process for initiation into the Catholic Church.  It is a restoration of the catechumenate, which was the early church's practice around the 3rd and 4th centuries.  The Congregation for Divine Worship prepared it and Pope Paul IV approved it in 1972.  It was approved for use in the United States in 1974.  In 1986, the United States Catholic Conference approved the ritual edition that included additional combined rites (for both the unbaptized and uncatechized baptized) and the national statutes.  It is now mandated in all parishes.  

Who is the OCIA for?
Persons in need of Baptism; Persons baptized in another Christian faith but interested in becoming Catholic; Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation