What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, or OCIA, is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church. This process is a return to the formation of the earliest members of the Church in the first and second centuries.
All are Welcome!
OCIA welcomes you to join a group of people on a journey of faith!
The OCIA process is designed for unbaptized adults and / or adults who were baptized in a non-Catholic Christian faith community.
The sessions for 2026 – 2027 are held on Wednesdays at 6:30pm at the Immaculate Conception parish center.
We have a Team of skilled catechists who will facilitate this process, introducing you to the teachings and practices, the sacraments, and the Liturgical Rites of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church was instituted by Jesus Christ and passed on through Apostolic Succession from St. Peter through Pope Leo XIV, our current Holy Father.
For those unbaptized persons wishing to receive the sacraments of Initiation (baptism, confirmation, eucharist), and those who have received Christian baptism (non-Catholic), please contact your parish office. Our program is directed by Tim Taft. The assistant to the director is Susan Vendeland.
Our lead minister who will meet with Inquiries individually is Denise Rhone.
OCIA is a Journey
List of Services
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Pre-CatechumenateList Item 1
This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
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Rite of InitiationList Item 2
The first Rite in the OCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.
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CatechumenateList Item 3
The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
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Rite of ElectionList Item 4
Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
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Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the OCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
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Mystagogy
This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
