What is OCIA?

Order of Christian Initiation fo Adults(OCIA)

We invite you to look more deeply into the richness of our Catholic faith through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program. OCIA is an educational and spiritual formation process where conversion of the heart brings us to Jesus Christ through learning, prayer, discussion, and community.

Whether you are simply curious to learn more about the Catholic faith or seriously discerning entrance into the Catholic Church, we are here to walk with you. Our parish strives to help seekers recognize the voice of God, grow closer to Him, and discover the joy of life in the Church.

Sacraments of Initiation

To become a full member of the Catholic Church, individuals receive the three Sacraments of Initiation:

• Baptism – entrance into the Christian life and the Church.
• Confirmation – sealing with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• Eucharist – full participation in the Body and Blood of Christ.

Adults who journey through OCIA are prepared for these sacraments and receive them at the Easter Vigil Mass, the most sacred liturgy of the year, where they are joyfully welcomed into our parish family.

Who is OCIA For?

OCIA is designed for:

• Catechumens – Unbaptized adults who seek to become Catholic through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
• Candidates for Full Communion – Adults already baptized in another Christian faith who wish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Candidates Completing Initiation – Baptized Catholics who have not yet received First Communion and/or Confirmation and desire to complete their initiation.

The Journey of OCIA
Our OCIA program is led by Deacon Michael Brown along with a dedicated team of catechists and pre-catechists. Together, they accompany catechumens and candidates throughout their journey of faith, offering teaching, mentorship, and encouragement.

The process typically begins in the fall (September/October) and continues through the Easter season. Along the way, participants experience the Rites of OCIA—liturgical steps of blessing, enrollment, and affirmation—celebrated within the parish community on designated Sundays. These rites mark and affirm the spiritual progress of each participant as they move closer to the Sacraments of Initiation.

If you are unsure whether OCIA is right for you, please know that questioning, exploring, and simply being curious are welcome starting points. We are here to meet you where you are and to walk with you in faith.

“If up till now you have kept Him at a distance, step forward. He will receive you with open arms. If you have been indifferent, take a risk: you won’t be disappointed. If following Him seems difficult, don’t be afraid, trust Him, be confident that He is close to you.”
— Pope Francis

OCIA 2025–2026 Schedule

Our next OCIA cycle begins in Fall 2025. Weekly sessions are ongoing throughout the year, with major milestones celebrated at Sunday Mass and the Sacraments of Initiation received at the Easter Vigil in Spring 2026.

If you are interested in:

• Becoming Catholic through Baptism,
• Entering the Church by Profession of Faith (if baptized in another Christian denomination), or
• Completing your Catholic initiation through Eucharist and/or Confirmation,

…then OCIA is for you.

For additional information, please use the form below to contact Deacon Michael Brown  and/or

use this link to access our Inquirer Information Form to get started.