The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

Guiding Individuals on Their Journey to Full Communion with the Catholic Church

Mission

The mission of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) Ministry is to accompany individuals on their journey toward becoming fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. Through prayer, study, and fellowship, OCIA offers a path of conversion that fosters a deeper relationship with God and integrates individuals into the Catholic Christian community. Guided by respect for each person’s unique faith journey, this ministry provides the support and resources needed to help individuals respond to God's invitation to embrace a new way of life in the Catholic faith.

OCIA Testimonials

Discover the faith journeys of some of our recent OCIA candidates at St. Rose of Lima and hear how God has been working in their lives. Through prayer, community, and a deeper encounter with Christ, each story reflects a unique path of faith, growth, and transformation.

We invite you to watch, listen, and learn more about the journey into the Catholic faith.

 FAQs

  • The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process by which adults are introduced to the Catholic faith. It is a spiritual journey involving prayer, study, and community, through which individuals prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

  • OCIA is for unbaptized adults who wish to join the Catholic Church, baptized adults from other Christian denominations seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, and baptized Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation, or Eucharist.

  • If you have a friend or relative interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, extend an invitation to them to join OCIA. The "inquiry" period offers an opportunity to ask questions and explore the faith in a welcoming environment.

  • In November 2021, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) officially renamed the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) to the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). This change aligns the name with the Latin term "Ordo" for the rites of the Church, which is part of a broader effort to update liturgical texts for greater consistency with the original Latin.

  • OCIA sessions are held on Sundays after the 8 a.m. Mass, typically from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. The classes are forming now, and the next sessions will begin soon.

  • The inquiry period is a time when those interested in the Catholic faith can ask questions and begin to explore the basics of the faith. It is an open, no-pressure environment to learn more about Catholic teachings and practices.

  • No, while non-Catholics can participate in OCIA to explore the faith, practicing Catholics are encouraged to serve as companions or sponsors, helping guide those on their faith journey and deepening their own understanding.

  • The OCIA process includes periods of study, prayer, and reflection, where participants learn about the faith, the sacraments, and the teachings of the Church. They are then guided through a series of steps toward full initiation into the Church.

  • The sacraments of initiation in OCIA are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Unbaptized participants will receive all three, while those already baptized in another Christian faith will make a Profession of Faith and receive Confirmation and Eucharist.

  • To get started with OCIA or to help someone else begin the journey, please contact Deacon David Dufilho at the contact form. We welcome you to join us on this transformative journey of faith.

Have you been thinking about becoming Catholic, completing your Sacraments, or simply learning more about the Catholic faith?

You're invited to our OCIA(Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) inquiry sessions — a welcoming journey where you can ask questions, explore the faith, and discover where God may be leading you. There is no obligation to enroll—just come and see!

Sunday, June 28

1:30 PM

Room C

OR

Wednesday, July 8

7:00 PM

Room C

For more information, contact Deacon David Dufilho at **[ddufilho@stroselima.org]

Becoming Catholic: The Path of Conversion through OCIA

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a ministry that guides individuals seeking to become Catholic or complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. This conversion process invites participants to deepen their relationship with God and discover a new way of life in the Catholic faith. With respect for each individual’s faith journey, the OCIA ministry supports participants through prayer, study, and fellowship, helping them grow in knowledge and spirituality. Conversion is not just an intellectual understanding; it involves a change of heart, a new relationship with Christ, and a transformed way of living. At St. Rose of Lima, we walk alongside each participant as they reflect, discern, and prepare to enter the Catholic community.

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