WHAT IS OCIA?
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly RCIA). It is the Church’s process for welcoming adults who are:
Unbaptized and exploring the Catholic faith
Baptized in another Christian tradition and considering full communion with the Catholic Church
Baptized Catholic but seeking to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist
We also offer adapted programs for children (Grades 3–6) and youth (Grades 7–12) with little or no formal Catholic education or sacramental preparation.
The Journey of OCIA
The OCIA process is a spiritual journey guided by our parish team. It includes:
Inquiry Sessions: Explore the teachings of the Catholic faith, your relationship with God, and what it means to become Catholic.
Learning and Worship: Study Catholic doctrine, participate in community prayer, and experience Catholic liturgy.
Rituals and Retreats: Celebrate key milestones and rites of passage, including the Easter Vigil, when participants may be fully initiated.
Community and Support: Engage with presenters, fellow participants, and parish members in a nurturing, open environment.
Sacramental Preparation: Complete the necessary steps for baptism, confirmation, or the Eucharist, including parish record-keeping.
Programs For Adults & Youth
For adults (age 18+)
Formation sessions typically run from September through April on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, with additional retreats, gatherings, and Sunday “Breaking Open the Word” sessions.
OCIY for Youth in Grades 7th-12th: The process runs from September through Easter, with structured lessons, rites, and participation in youth ministry nights or retreats.
OCIC for Children in 3rd - 6th grade: Teaches the fundamentals of the Catholic faith and practices while preparing them to receive the Sacraments appropriate for their age.
Benefits of ParticipatingBy joining OCIA, participants have the opportunity to:
How to Get StartedCall, email, or visit us to ask questions and learn more. Our first large adult gathering is usually in early September, and youth sessions begin shortly after. Specific dates and locations are shared once registration opens in the summer.