O.C.I.A. is a program for those who are:
- Thinking of becoming Catholic
- Would like to become Catholic
- Have been baptized Catholic (called Candidates) but have not yet received the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (O.C.I.A.) is a process designed for adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and/or are thinking about becoming Catholic. We welcome new members year round. The meetings present an overview of Catholic beliefs and provide an opportunity to ask questions and explore your feelings and any concerns you might have.
The OCIA exerts no pressure on people in any way; you will find yourself in a friendly and welcoming group where you can comfortably contemplate this important decision in your life. During the course of the process, members of the OCIA group are invited to participate in several preparatory Rites, which usually take place during Sunday Mass. Throughout the year, OCIA members that attend weekend Mass are dismissed after the homily to reflect on the homily and the Sunday readings with a facilitator until the end of Mass.
Those who go through the process who have not yet been baptized (called catechumens) have the opportunity to join the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where they receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Those who are already baptized and feel drawn to become members of the Catholic Church are received into Full Communion at the Easter Vigil as well.
OCIA meetings are on Mondays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm starting in the fall on September 25, 2023 in Meeting Room B (Administrative Center entrance).
If you feel God is calling you to become Catholic, please email Lynn Duffy or fill out this form to share your story and to receive information.
If you have a infant in need of Baptism, please email Lisa Harrison.
If you have a school age child in need of a Sacrament, please contact our Religious Education Office by email or call (248) 689-8380 ext. 111.