What is OCIA?
(formerly known as "RCIA")
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) as a process in which participants "undergo…conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments…The OCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."
Likewise, the language used in the OCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs. Catechumens are those people who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Candidates are people who have been baptized in a Christian tradition but are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation.
Who is OICA for?
ALL ARE WELCOME
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults 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 Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
CATECHUMENS
Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation as Catechumens. 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.
CANDIDATES
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 as Candidates.
Registration for OCIA
To register for the 2024-2025 OCIA formation year, please click the link below to fill out the registration form. This form will be live until the end of August.
2024-2025 OCIA Registration Form
If you are looking for information on how to register Children to become Catholic or receive the sacraments of initiation (after 3rd grade), please CLICK HERE to be directed to our OCIC page.
2024-2025 OCIA Schedule
A link to download a copy of the 2024-2025 OCIA preparation schedule will be posted soon!
Classes Begin Wednesday, September 4th!
HELP NEEDED
We are in need of the following positions to be filled for our PSR program for the 2024-2025 academic year:
- 2nd Grade PSR Catechist Aide/Assistant (2)
- 7th Grade PSR Catechist Aide/Assistant
- 10th Grade PSR Catechist Aide/Assistant
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact West Giffin at (225) 752-6230.