What is OCIA?



Inspiration

We joyfully share the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, responding to the call of

Jesus:

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every person.” — Mark 16:15

Inspiration

Our Mission

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process through which adults

enter into or complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. Our mission is to

accompany:

• Catechumens — unbaptized adults preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).

• Candidates — baptized adults (either Catholic or from another Christian tradition) who seek to be fully received into the Catholic Church through Confirmation and Eucharist.

Through prayer, study, liturgy, and community, OCIA helps individuals encounter Jesus

Christ and embrace life in His Church.

Our Catechists and Sponsors

The OCIA journey is supported by dedicated catechists who guide participants in

learning and living the Catholic faith. Each participant is also paired with a sponsor—a

practicing Catholic who walks alongside them, offering encouragement, friendship, and

a living witness of faith.

We’re always seeking parishioners of Holy Cross who feel called to serve as catechists

or sponsors. Your presence helps others experience the love of Christ and the beauty of

our Catholic faith.



How to Get Involved

Curious, discerning, or ready to begin? We’d love to walk with you.

Deacon Michael Brown

deacon.m.brown@deaconsdor.org

Order of Christian Initiation of 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.

The 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 contact:

Deacon Michael Brown

deacon.m.brown@deaconsdor.org

Complete the Inquirer Information Form below to get started.

Inquirer Information Form

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

Interested in helping others on this faith journey? 

Send an email message to deacon@holycrossdurham.org expressing your interest in serving in this ministry. Please provide your email and phone information, and best time to get in touch.