The Order (formerly Rite) of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) is the liturgical process concerned with the total spiritual formation of a person that enables an individual to become Catholic. The gradual development culminates in the celebration of the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, usually at the Easter Vigil celebration. If you or anyone you know is interested in inquiring about how to become Catholic, or are already Catholic but requires additional sacraments, you are most welcome to come to a meeting to find out more about the process.

All meetings will take place on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM.  See the parish bulletin or call the office for the start date.  If you would like to meet with us to discuss any aspect of our beautiful Catholic faith, give us a call, or just come to a Wednesday evening meeting.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by calling the office at (561) 276-6892 or via email at ocia@stvincentferrer.com. The O.C.I.A. team looks forward to seeing you soon!

Complete this form if you'd like a priest to contact you first.

Name
How do you want us to contact you?

PRINTABLE FORMS

OCIA: Overview of the OCIA Program

OCIA Inquirer Information

OCIA: Stages in the OCIA Process

OCIA sponsor form

What is the OCIA?

The letters stand for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.  It’s the special way (order) by which persons are initiated, that is, prepared to receive the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist) and become Roman Catholic Christians.

The decision to join the Catholic Church is personal for everyone.  Many people choose to join the Church because of a desire for Christ and His Sacraments.  Some become interested in the OCIA when they approach a milestone in their life, such as planning a wedding to a Catholic.  They would like to start their marriage with both partners being of the same faith.  Some, who are already married, find that they would like to be a family that “prays together.”  A non-Catholic parent may find his interest in Catholicism growing on the occasion of his child’s First Holy Communion.  Others have had a personal experience of faith leading them to find out more. Some are baptized Catholics who never received religious instruction in their youth and would like to share fully in the sacramental life of the Church.

All people who are interested in or curious about Catholicism can come to the OCIA sessions.  Those who wish to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church may choose to do so after the initial period of inquiry.

All religious backgrounds are welcome.  No formal religious education is required prior to joining OCIA.

As Catholics, we confess ONE BAPTISM for the forgiveness of sins.  So generally, a person would not be “re-baptized”.  Most Christian baptisms done with water and the Trinitarian formula are considered valid in the Catholic Church.  Therefore, those candidates would make a Profession of Faith in order to become a Catholic.  A copy of the Baptismal certificate is required.

The OCIA process, coordinated by a team of parishioners, involves participants in weekly sessions held on Wednesday evenings.  The format includes praying, reading from texts and listening to presentations, the questioning and sharing of information – especially material from the Bible and from Catholic tradition and teaching.  There are various experiences in class and in church, at Mass.

For any decision in life, it’s best to be informed about the choices available.  What better way than to be part of a group discussing aspects of Catholicism?  There is never any pressure to join the Catholic Church at OCIA – only the learning, and to some extent, the living of it.

Always remember:  The OCIA process is a walk in faith.