The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) (Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults / RCIA)

OCIA is the process whereby adults prepare to become full members of the Roman Catholic Church.  The process begins with a period of inquiry about Catholicism without obligation or commitment.  Those who choose to do so then enter into a period of further instruction. During this time, you’ll study and discuss the Catholic experience with the priest or OCIA team members and other committed Catholics practicing the Catholic faith and way of life.
 
 The OCIA process includes progression of rituals of increasing commitment, culminating with the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist, which customarily take place during the great, solemn Easter Vigil Mass.  
 
 Potential candidates for the OCIA include those who are:

• unbaptized persons
• baptized Christians who have not been fully initiated into the Catholic faith through the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist
• baptized Catholics who have not completed the initiation process
• those married to a Catholic spouse and attending Mass, but unsure what the next step is to becoming Catholic