OCIA

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults - OCIA

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is an initiation process for adults wishing to enter the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. Baptized Christians desiring to complete their initiation through Confirmation and/or First Eucharist may also attend. The process includes “formation” by which candidates are invited into the activities of the church and to ask any questions they may have. It also includes “information” which involves catechetical sessions through which the candidates learn about the beliefs, moral teachings, structure, key historical moments and sacramental life of the Church. The process then moves into Lent when these candidates and all Catholics are called to a period of purification and transformation. At all points, the candidates are invited to ask questions and share their thoughts.

Because we are a sacramental Church, various stages of the process are celebrated within the liturgy. Early in the process candidates are welcomed at 9am Mass. Just before Lent, those who have not been baptized receive first a copy of the Creed, then a copy of the Lord’s Prayer at daily Mass. The first Sunday of Lent all who are not yet Catholic meet at 9am Mass where they are ritually “sent” to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election later that afternoon. The Bishop then greets each person individually and welcomes them. Throughout Lent there are special recognitions of those preparing to enter the Church at 9am Mass. Finally, the unbaptized are initiated fully into the Church at the Easter Vigil, by receiving Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. Those who are already baptized are fully initiated with Confirmation and receive First Holy Communion at the Easter Sunday 9am Mass.

OCIA sessions are held in the Family Life Center classroom (or at the church office) on Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm. Candidates are asked to participate at 9am Mass throughout the process, and they are dismissed after the homily to “break open the word” with one of the catechists.

Read participant testimonies here.

Anyone interested in joining the process is asked to contact Felicia Borel at 477-1236 or email [email protected] 

Order of Christian Initiation for Children - OCIA for Children

For parents with children who have not been baptized but who seek to enter the Catholic Church, the OCIA process is adapted for their special needs with age-appropriate formation. For more details, please contact Robin Suire at 337-477-3937 or email [email protected]

Candidate Track

The Candidate Track is a condensed program of catechesis for adults who desire the Sacrament of Confirmation. This 8-week program is held twice a year. The Fall Session attendees are confirmed at 9am Mass on Christ the King Sunday. The Spring Session attendees are confirmed at the 9am Mass on Pentecost Sunday. Contact Felicia Borel at 477-1236 or email [email protected].