Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly known as RCIA) is a program for adults to be received into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation, which include Baptism (for those not previously baptized in a Christian church), Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

OCIA is now evolving into a year-round process that allows participants to begin at different times during the year.

• For those seeking baptism, it is important to begin the inquiry phase in the first months of the calendar year.
• For those already baptized, OCIA offers different paths based on your prior faith background.

The program begins with an inquiry phase that builds familiarity with the mass, introduces the parish community and helps inquirers learn more about their faith and the Church before discerning whether to move forward in the process. Going forward in OCIA is always voluntary and at the option of the participant.

Weekly meetings are Tuesday evenings from September to May
For many in OCIA, after the inquiry phase the process becomes more intensive from September through early May. The group gathers weekly on Tuesday evenings, together with expected regular attendance at Mass (usually the 11:30 pm Sunday Mass). The Tuesday evening sessions involve individual reading and prayer, with presentations and group discussion.

OCIA participants are usually baptized at the Easter Vigil Mass. Those already baptized are confirmed later in the Easter season or at another date during the year.

Come, grow in your faith.

For more information about OCIA:
 email Doneata Grisdale
or
email Allain Andry