Become Catholic: The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

Perhaps you are married to a Catholic and are bringing your children up in this faith tradition. Or you attended a wedding or funeral of a friend or loved one and would like to explore this faith tradition more deeply. Maybe it is an interest in Catholic social teaching or an experience of the sacraments. Or perhaps you have a friend or family member who is Catholic and their present life is an inspiration.

The Catholic Church has a special process to help you learn more: the OCIA.

OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, where the faith journey of an individual is honored. Entering the OCIA is not a commitment to joining the Roman Catholic Church. The OCIA is, however, the process through which persons may join or complete their initiation into the Catholic faith.

Is the OCIA for me?

The OCIA is for three groups of people:

1. People interested in finding out more about being a Catholic Christian.
2. Those who have decided they wish to be baptized in the Catholic Church.
3. Those who were baptized in another faith, and would like to become Catholic.

How does the OCIA work?

The OCIA consists of four periods of formation which are marked by rituals that celebrate what has been completed and call a person into the next phase.

1. The Inquiry or Precatechumenate
2. The Catechumenate
3. The Lenten period of Purification and Enlightenment
4. Mystagogy or a time of deeper understanding of the mysteries