OCIA – Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is modeled on the initiation ritual of the early Christian church. It is an experience of personal formation and spiritual growth which incorporates prayer, study, reflection, and discernment in a combination of public rituals and community preparations. It is the way unbaptized persons become Christian within the Roman Catholic tradition.

Didn’t this used to be called RCIA?
Learn more about the transition from RCIA to OCIA here!

FORMATION
We offer year-round formation, which means your journey begins when you are ready. Participants attend Sunday Mass and regular formation sessions.

RITES
There is a series of sacred rites throughout the four phases leading to a solemn public celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. This celebration generally takes place at Easter Vigil Mass.

SPONSORS
A sponsor and prayer partner, as well as other members of the Catholic faith community, accompany you throughout your journey.

For more information about OCIA, please email Deacon Tom O’Brien at

I AM

Not Baptized in any Christian denomination

Welcome! We are filled with joy that you are here: not just because you are considering becoming a Christian, but also because you are having the courage to say "yes" to that still, small voice inside of you that has been nudging you (or badgering you, whatever works) to take this step.

We know that starting from the beginning can seem daunting, but our job is to help you in this discernment process. Living a life in Christ is a big life step, and so we provide an extensive program to help you ask your questions, learn about this new faith, and prepare to make that commitment if you choose. It's also a practical journey as well - we want to be sure to provide you with practical tools for living out and sharing this new faith in your daily life as well.

Once you have been through the OCIA process, you would receive Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation, typically held during the night before Easter Sunday each year.

Baptized in another Christian denomination

We are thrilled that you want to complete the reception of your Sacraments of Initiation (Communion and Confirmation) and be fully initiated into the Church! OCIA will walk you through the meaning of these additional sacraments as well as teach you more about the pillars of our faith - and most importantly, offer you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about Catholicism!

A Catholic looking to go deeper into my faith

We love that you want to learn more about your faith! Though OCIA is not the right program for you, we think you'll find that our Adult Education offerings are the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of Catholicism. Be sure to check out the Adult Faith page on our website for the latest events!

Learn more about becoming Catholic here.

Steps in the OCIA process:

Inquiry – During this initial stage of OCIA, also known as the precatechumenate, individuals first meet with the adult faith formation director and discuss their interest in the church. They can ask questions and are introduced to the Gospel. There is no set time period for this phase.
Catechumenate/Rite of Acceptance – When a person has decided to join the Catholic Church, he or she begins the Catechumenate. This begins with the Rite of Acceptance, a rite held during Sunday liturgy in which they express their readiness to accept the Gospel and be received into the Catholic Church. During this stage, which can last for months or even years, the catechumens formally study Church teaching.
Purification & Enlightenment/Rite of Election – This period takes place during Lent. Beginning with the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent, catechumens and candidates begin a final preparation for initiation into the Catholic faith. During the Period of Purification, they also participate in several rites called Scrutinies during parish liturgies.
Initiation – At the Easter Vigil, catechumens are baptized and confirmed; candidates are confirmed.
Mystagogy – The word Mystagogy comes from Greek meaning “interpretation of mystery.” During this final period of OCIA, the new Catholics (called neophytes) deepen their understanding of the paschal mystery and make it a part of their lives.

Meetings

There are weekly meetings for Adults and Teens who seek baptism after the 11:00 a.m. Mass each week.

Email Deacon Tom at OCIA@SaintAndrew.org or you can call Deacon Tom (the coordinator of the OCIA process) directly at 919-362-0414 x124.

We look forward to meeting you!