Becoming a Catholic
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process by which adults and children of catechetical age are initiated into the Catholic Church. Marked by a series of rites and phases of formation, the Christian initiation of adults and older children reaches its highpoint with the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
This gradual process takes place in the community of the faithful, and varies according to the pastoral needs of the individual. Adults and older children who are already baptized but are uncatechized may complete their initiation by participating in some aspects of this process.
What is the OCIA?
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), also called the Catechumenate, is a process of initiation into the Catholic Community of Faith for persons who are experiencing a conversion in their lives and seeking either Christian baptism in the Catholic Church or full Communion with the Catholic tradition of Eucharist and Confirmation.
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Understanding the Rites
There are several rites (rituals/ceremonies) for those in the OCIA process.
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Learn about the Sacraments
At the Easter Vigil, the Elect receive the sacraments of initiation - baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. By baptism, they are received into the royal priesthood of believers; by confirmation, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and share in the outpouring of grace that came upon the apostles at Pentecost. They then receive the Eucharist, sharing for the first time in the body and blood of Christ, the heavenly food that strengthens us to carry out Christ's work in our own time and place. For our Elect, the sacraments of initiation are not the end, but the beginning of new lives of faith and service.
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An OCIA Program Unlike Any Other
The Institute for Catholic Formation is pleased to have the Credo program, presented by the Dominican Friars Thomistic Institute, as part of our OCIA studies.
Prayers for Those Discerning
Pray for the wisdom of the Lord for those who are still deciding their path.
Read the PrayersResources for Parish OCIA Teams
Many of these can be ordered from Liturgical Training Publications.
Guide for Training Initiation Ministers: An Introduction to the OCIA
by Michael Ruzicki
This practical guide provides parish leaders with the tools needed for facilitating and training all those involved with the adult Christian initiation process. Designed as a companion to An Introduction to the OCIA: The Vision of Christian Initiation by Ronald J. Lewinski, the enclosed training sessions explore the vision, theology, and purpose of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults in a lively, interactive, and faith-filled way. Supplemental resources are available for download online, and the enclosed DVD includes thirteen videos that will deepen and enlighten participants’ understanding of the Christian initiation process. Order from LTP
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults: Study Edition
by International Commission on English in the Liturgy
LTP’s study edition of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults includes the full texts of the rite: introductions, National Statutes, ritual texts, chants, and appendixes. Printed in the same dimensions as our ritual edition, this paperback version of the rite is durable and flexible for ongoing personal study, coursework, reference, and liturgical preparation. As a study and preparation tool, this resource is essential for priests, deacons, undergraduate and graduate theology, liturgy and ministry students, catechists, Christian initiation team members, and those who prepare the liturgy. Order from LTP
An Introduction to the OCIA: The Vision of Christian Initiation
by Fr. Ronald J. Lewinski
In this resource, Fr. Ronald J. Lewinksi provides a basic and thorough introduction to the Church’s vision for the process of Christian initiation, guiding initiation ministers through the various rituals and steps of the OCIA through the lens of conversion, evangelization, and discipleship. This book is an excellent resource for new and experienced initiation ministers as well as for those who seek a deeper understanding of how the Church welcomes and initiates adult Catholic Christians. Order from LTP
Disciples Making Disciples
by Various Authors
Encourage your assembly to fulfill their baptismal mission of helping to form new Christians with Disciples Making Disciples: Print and Digital Resources for Forming the Assembly. This dynamic resource offers many ways to help your parishioners grow in their understanding of how their witness of discipleship can lead others to faith in Christ. As those on the catechumenal journey progress toward initiation, so too will your assembly grow in their active participation in the liturgical rites associated with the initiation process and in the life of the parish community.
Discípulos haciendo discípulos
by Various Authors
Available August 2025 | Encourage your assembly to fulfill their baptismal mission of helping to form new Christians with Disciples Making Disciples: Print and Digital Resources for Forming the Assembly. To help bring people to faith and welcome them into the Catholic Christian community parishes need an engaged assembly. They need disciples ready to welcome and support the newcomers in their journey, to share their faith, and to fully, consciously, actively participate in the initiation rite.
Guide to Adapting the OCIA for Children
by Rita Burns Senseman
Children of varying ages and states of faith formation undergo a variety of paths to Christian initiation. This book is an invaluable resource for initiation coordinators, catechists, and directors of religious education as they prepare children and their families to undertake their journeys of faith. Order from LTP Author Rita Burns Senseman shares the Church’s wisdom concerning the vision of children’s initiation found in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). You will find parish-tested models and sample sessions; appendixes on how to prepare and lead child catechesis, and how to celebrate the liturgical rites; answers to frequently asked questions; and a glossary of terms.