OCIA / Becoming Catholic

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly known as RCIA, is a journey of inquiry, discernment, formation, and growth in the Catholic faith. It prepares adults to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

This process is intended for adults who:

• Have never been baptized and wish to become Catholic.
• Were baptized in another Christian community and desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Were baptized Catholic but have received neither First Communion nor Confirmation.

Participants are invited to ask questions, learn the teachings of the Church, deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, and discern God’s call in their lives.

Please note: This Thursday evening program is for adults 18 years of age and older. Separate sacramental preparation is available for children and teenagers.

Those who have never been baptized ordinarily receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Those already validly baptized in another Christian community make a Profession of Faith and receive Confirmation and the Eucharist. Baptized Catholics receive the sacraments of initiation they have not yet received.

To begin this journey or request more information, please complete the form below.

⚠️If you are currently in a non Catholic union, you will need to have your marriage convalidated before receiving Baptism, the Eucharist, or Confirmation. We are happy to accompany you through this additional step as part of your preparation.

Classes Begin:

An Invitation for Non-Catholics…

Dear brothers and sisters,

Like Saint Paul, we give thanks to God our Father, through Jesus Christ, for the gift of the Holy Spirit poured into our hearts and into yours. Awareness of the Spirit’s constant presence fills us with hope and calls us to humility.

We are all children of God, seeking to know and follow His will. This journey is not undertaken alone; the entire community of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church accompanies you through prayer, formation, and attentive support. Together, we acknowledge our human weakness and place our trust in the Father, who generously provides all that we need.

Our example is Mary, the humble handmaid of Nazareth, whose response to God was one of faith, trust, and complete availability. Following her example, we offer ourselves as humble instruments of God’s love and mercy.

Whatever our role may be—catechists, sponsors, or companions—it is the Holy Spirit who truly guides this journey and draws our hearts toward God. At the center of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is not simply a program or process, but a Person: Jesus Christ, true God and true man, our Lord, Savior, and Brother. In Him, God loves us with a human heart.

We are praying that this journey will lead you to a deeper encounter with Christ, strengthen your faith, and fulfill the deepest longings of your heart.

Below is a simple infographic outlining the principal stages of OCIA, including the Rite of Election, ordinarily celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent.

Five Stages of OCIA

1. Inquiry (Pre-catechumenate)
   • Informal stage of questions and exploration; no commitment.
2. Catechumenate (Study/Formation)
   • Begins with the Rite of Entrance into the Order of Catechumens; involves structured catechesis in faith, prayer, Scripture, liturgy, and community life.
3. Purification & Enlightenment (Elect)
   • Begins with the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent, when catechumens are called Elect. This Lenten period includes Scrutinies (3rd–5th Sundays of Lent), and preparation of the Creed and Lord’s Prayer.
4. Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
   • Celebrated at the Easter Vigil, when the Elect receive Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
5. Mystagogy
   • Period of reflection and deepening (50 days Easter season), integrating fully into parish life as neophytes.