OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)

(Previously known as RCIA aka Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is the normative process by which non-baptized persons, and those of other Christian denominations, convert to the Catholic Faith through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

Those going through OCIA are categorized into two groups:

• Catechumens: Unbaptized persons who seek to join the Catholic faith by going through the Sacraments of Initiation
• Candidates: A baptized Christian who wishes to convert to the Catholic faith

OCIA consists of classes that meet an hour a week for approximately 6 months (beginning of October through Easter). Classes are not offered during holidays. Classes consist of Church teaching, practice, prayer, reflection, discernment, and formations.

The primary purpose of OCIA is to form participants into practicing Catholics. This is accomplished by having participants study the Gospels, teaching the tenets & customs of the Catholic Church, and encouraging a life dedicated to following in the footsteps of our Lord. In this process we hope to create an involvement & bond between catechumens/candidates and their parishes' community.

To sign up for OCIA or for more information, please contact our Director of Religious Education at  cdeters@stcindependence.org or by calling 859-363-4314.