"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Interested in Becoming Catholic?
Welcome!
Whether you are curious about the Catholic faith, thinking about becoming Catholic, or are already Catholic and would like to complete your sacraments, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the systematic process for exploring the Catholic faith, becoming Catholic, and receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
Depending on one’s state in life and Sacraments desired, a participant is accompanied through different stages along the OCIA journey. Generally, there are five periods to OCIA.
Welcome!
Whether you are curious about the Catholic faith, thinking about becoming Catholic, or are already Catholic and would like to complete your sacraments, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the systematic process for exploring the Catholic faith, becoming Catholic, and receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
Depending on one’s state in life and Sacraments desired, a participant is accompanied through different stages along the OCIA journey. Generally, there are five periods to OCIA.
OCIA InQUIRY FORM >
Filling out this form does not commit you to becoming Catholic or joining OCIA. It simply lets us know you are interested so we can reach out and answer your questions.
OCIA classes begin in September at St. Mary's.
OCIA classes begin in September at St. Mary's.
Please include your interest in OCIA in the comment field. Messages submitted through this form are received by the Parish Office staff. Since our office is staffed primarily by volunteers, please allow some time for a response and include a phone number in the comments. Thank you for your patience.
Different Stages of OCIA
|
Period of
Inquiry The first stage of OCIA, when individuals explore the Catholic faith, hear the Gospel, ask questions, and reflect on whether they are called to become Catholic. This period concludes with the Rite of Welcoming or Acceptance. |
Period of the Catechumenate
A time of deeper learning and formation in the Catholic faith. Catechumens grow in their relationship with Christ, participate in the life of the Church, and discern their desire to become Catholic. This period concludes with the Rite of Election. |
Period of Purification
and Illumination A period of prayer and spiritual preparation that usually takes place during Lent, the six-weeks before Easter. Catechumens, now called the "Elect," participate in special rites as they prepare for Baptism and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. |
|
Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil or another appropriate time, those entering the Church receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. Through these sacraments, they enter into new life in Christ and full communion with the Catholic Church. |
Period of Mystagogy
The final period of OCIA takes place during the Easter season through Pentecost. The newly initiated, called Neophytes (newly planted), reflect on their experience of the sacraments and continue growing in faith. OCIA is not a graduation, but the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ and the Church. |
Candidates for Full Communion
Candidates are individuals who have already been validly baptized but have not yet received all the Sacraments of Initiation in the Church. Their preparation is adapted to their previous Christian experience and circumstances. |
Who can register and/or participate?
Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to participate in OCIA classes and activities. No previous knowledge or experience of Christianity/Catholicism is necessary.
OCIA is for three groups of adults, 18 years old and older:
Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to participate in OCIA classes and activities. No previous knowledge or experience of Christianity/Catholicism is necessary.
OCIA is for three groups of adults, 18 years old and older:
- Those who are not baptized.
- Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
- Baptized Catholics who were not fully formed in the Catholic faith and have not completed their initiation: those who have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist.
What if I register and then decide not to become Catholic?
There is no obligation to become Catholic. We will be sad to see you go, but no one can – or should – force you to convert to Catholicism. If you want to delay entering the Church you are welcome to come back to OCIA in the future, we will be happy to work with you again.
There is no obligation to become Catholic. We will be sad to see you go, but no one can – or should – force you to convert to Catholicism. If you want to delay entering the Church you are welcome to come back to OCIA in the future, we will be happy to work with you again.
More questions?
If you have other questions about O.C.I.A., please fill out the OCIA Inquiry Form or Contact the Parish Office for more information.
St. Mary's Parish Office
(970) 842-2216
If you have other questions about O.C.I.A., please fill out the OCIA Inquiry Form or Contact the Parish Office for more information.
St. Mary's Parish Office
(970) 842-2216
OCIA Inquiry Form
Filling out this form does not commit you to becoming Catholic or joining OCIA. It simply lets us know you are interested so we can reach out and answer your questions.
OCIA classes begin in September at St. Mary's.
OCIA classes begin in September at St. Mary's.
Please include your interest in OCIA in the comment field. Messages submitted through this form are received by the Parish Office staff. Since our office is staffed primarily by volunteers, please allow some time for a response and include a phone number in the comments. Thank you for your patience.
Shape Divider - Style tilt_opacity
