OCIA
THE JOURNEY
OCIA: Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults/RCIA) is a journey, not only to join the Catholic Church, but even more importantly, a journey into a deeper relationship with God. We welcome people who are unbaptized, those looking into the possibility of becoming Catholic from other faith traditions, those Catholics wishing to complete the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation), and those looking for a faith update.
OCIA sessions typically run annually from September through the middle of May. Sacraments are completed at the Saturday Night Easter Vigil Mass. This nine-month commitment for those serious about pursing the faith is worth every minute.
THE MISSION
Christ calls his faithful to bring others to his heart. In OCIA, individuals learn the history of the Catholic Church as well as the “why” behind our beliefs, and they accomplish this as part of a close-knit group. Joining OCIA places you in a small, caring community of inspired people seeking a relationship with Christ. The process requires a level of commitment that will prepare you well for a meaningful future as a disciple of Jesus.
“For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:13
REGISTER FOR OCIA
If you would like, discuss your readiness with a priest or deacon, and contact the ministry lead below to register for our OCIA group in the fall.
HOW OCIA WORKS:
ATTEND WEEKLY SESSIONS AND ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Attendance is required at weekly sessions, rites, scrutinies and retreats per the calendar for the year. Your presence is crucial as you learn the essentials of the Catholic faith and cultivate a relationship with God.
CHOOSE A SPONSOR
Walk with a Confirmed and faithful Catholic to get your questions answered and make a friend for the journey. If you don’t know someone to ask, we will find a sponsor for you!
ENJOY MEANINGFUL FELLOWSHIP
You are not in this alone! Take this step in faith with your fellow OCIA members and create bonds that last a lifetime. You will also receive prayerful support from our parishioners.
RECEIVE YOUR SACRAMENTS AND BECOME AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE CHURCH
At the Easter Vigil, celebrate the graces of receiving the Sacraments of Initiation and enter into full communion with the Church.
TESTIMONIAL
TAYLOR SMITH WITH FIANCEE DESTANIE
“The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) has been a transformative journey for me.
Raised in a home without faith or a father, I found myself on a path that put me in prison for 18 years.
I heard the Word of God for the first time while sitting in solitary confinement, and experienced a moment of profound conversion where God revealed to me everything I needed to see to begin my road to Damascus. I spent 10 years studying the Bible, and received life-changing guidance from Deacon Curt Leuenberger of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and Father Mike Shields. Upon my release from prison in November of 2023, I enrolled in OCIA at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Through OCIA, I discovered a new way of living and learned how to integrate into civilized society. The program's guidance and support enabled me to grow in my faith and develop a sense of purpose.
Today, as a personal trainer, I'm able to minister to my clients by sharing the Word of God and promoting faith and fitness. OCIA has given me the tools to become a positive and productive member of society, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward and serve others. Some of my biggest supporters are the friends that I made throughout the OCIA process. They have become as family to me.
I was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith at Easter Vigil of 2024. Being surrounded by all of my family and friends, this was the greatest joy of my life.
At Easter Vigil of 2025, my fiancée, Destanie, was also confirmed into the faith, and I had the honor of being her sponsor!
God has moved mountains and worked miracles in my life, and OCIA has played a huge role in those miracles. I thank God with all my heart for the Catholic faith and for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults!”
CONTACT FOR OCIA
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
sarah@akseas.net
907-345-4466
