Catechumenate
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
To Become a Catholic
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
The process by which Adults and Children over 7 years of age become Catholic
Can you answer "Yes" to any of these questions:
- Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church?
- Are you unbaptized but recognize a need for spirituality in your life?
- Are you baptized Catholic or baptized into another religion but never received any formal religious education?
- Are you married to a Catholic and attend Mass but just don’t know what the next step is to become one of the Catholic faithful?
The OCIA is the place for you. Every year adults (and children over the age of seven) are welcomed into the Catholic Community through OCIA. It is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings you to Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior.
How does the OCIA work?
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. There is no specific length of time for each period. The OCIA is a journey that “takes as long as it takes,” according to each individual.
- The period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
- The period of the Catechumenate
- The period of Purification and Enlightenment (coincides with Lent, the six weeks before Easter)
- Mystagogy or a time of deeper understanding of the “mysteries” of faith (a year and a lifetime!)
