I Want to Become Catholic

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Welcome! We're excited that you're interested in exploring becoming Catholic.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process through which adults and children of catechetical age are initiated into the Catholic Church. Guided by a series of rites and phases of formation, this journey reaches its highpoint at the Easter Vigil, with the joyful celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

OCIA is a gradual journey of faith that takes place within the welcoming community of the Church. Because each person’s story and faith journey are unique, the process is adapted to meet individual pastoral needs. Adults and older children who have already been baptized but have not yet completed their Christian initiation are also warmly invited to participate in the parts of the process that will help them grow in faith and prepare for the sacraments.

What is the OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) 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.

OCIA offers an opportunity to explore the Gospels and Catholic teaching, embrace Christian values and morality, and grow in a life of prayer and faithful action—all with the encouragement and support of the local Catholic community. More than simply a course of instruction, OCIA is a process of conversion and growth in faith that honors the unique needs and experiences of each participant.

Who is OCIA for?

Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith
Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism, or Profession of Faith
Those who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received religious education, Confirmation, or First Eucharist
NOTE: If you only lack Confirmation (i.e., you are a baptized Catholic and have received your First Eucharist), OCIA is not for you. Look at the calendar of events for an Adult Confirmation workshop

Ask the Institute

Why an OCIA Process?

Christians are made, not born. There is nothing automatic or instant about the Order of Christian Initiation; the development of faith takes time and cannot be rushed. Each person must be given sufficient time for their faith to deepen and mature. Ordinarily, this means anywhere from one to two years of formation depending on the background and spiritual maturity of the individual.

In the past (in fact, hundreds of years ago), a person desiring reception into the Christian Community studied, prayed, fasted, and did good works for three years. Initiation takes time. Initiation is more than doctrinal instruction. It is a way of coming to know the traditions, the people, the prayer, and the actions of the community.

Steps of the OCIA Process

Today, there are five stages of the OCIA Process:

1. Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate

At this time participants are encouraged to ask questions and explore the basic tenets of the Catholic faith and to reflect upon these in light of their own life experiences.

2. The Catechumenate

It is during this time that most of study of Scripture, doctrine, traditions, and meeting with the community takes place.

3. Purification & Enlightenment

For those preparing for baptism, this stage takes place during the Lenten season where they reflect upon their own faith experiences in a more intense, prayerful way. Other times during the year, baptized individuals reflect more deeply upon the meaning of their baptism and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.

4. Sacraments of Initiation

Candidates for baptism celebrate their initiation into the Church on the holiest of nights–the Easter Vigil–where they are baptized, confirmed, and receive Eucharist. Those seeking to be received into full communion celebrate their Rite of Reception several other times throughout the year.

5. Period of Mystagogy

This is a time for individuals to reflect upon their experiences of being new Catholic Christians and find their place in the ordinary life of the Church.

Understanding the Rites

As mentioned above, 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.

Begin the Path

Prayers for Those Discerning

Spend some time in prayer, asking the Lord for wisdom and guidance as you discern your next step.

Read the Prayers

Some Common Questions

Do I need to make a commitment to Catholicism to participate in this program?

No! We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before they make such a commitment. We also realize that Catholicism is not for everyone. We ask for no firm commitment until the beginning of Lent.

I was baptized a Methodist, Baptist, etc. Must I be re-baptized to join the Catholic Church?

No! There is only one Baptism. Individuals seeking full Communion within the Catholic Church will not be baptized again. They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Click here to read more about the Rites of Initiation for baptized and unbaptized persons. (go to About the Rites)

What steps do I need to take to begin the process of Inquiry?

Send an email to institute@diobpt.org to learn more about the OCIA Cohort – or call your local parish and ask to speak to the person in charge of welcoming new folks to the parish.