Become Catholic! – The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process through which adults join or complete their initiation into the Catholic Church through a process of discerning and ritualizing the stages of gradual conversion. OCIA is for adults (and children of catechetical age) who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help, they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.
Is the OCIA for me?
The OCIA is for three groups of people:
- For those who are not baptized, OCIA gradually uncovers the story of God’s salvation for all; the mystery of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection; and the workings of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the beliefs, sacramental life and spiritual practices of the Catholic Church. The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful and in accordance with the Church’s liturgical year. Together with the catechumens, the faithful reflect upon the value of the paschal mystery, renew their own conversion, and by their example lead the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously.
- For Christians Baptized in other denominations who seek full communion with the Catholic Church.
- For Baptized Catholics who have received no other faith formation and have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
How to Join OCIA
Deacon Phil Snyder leads our program at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church, so if you would like to become Catholic (never been baptized, baptized in another Christian faith, or never Confirmed), please reach out to Deacon Phil at phil.snyder@archbalt.org or call the Parish Office at 410-255-4646. Classes begin in September and will be held on Monday evenings from 7–8:30pm through April.