The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.)

OCIA: An Invitation to Learn More About How to Become a Catholic

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly known as RCIA, is a process within the Catholic Church for adults to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). It involves a journey of spiritual formation, catechesis, and integration into the Catholic community.

The OCIA process is designed for adults who are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian tradition, or baptized Catholics who have not received all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist). It is a journey of faith that involves prayer, study, reflection, and sharing. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share their insights, and tell their faith stories.

The sessions focus on various aspects of the Catholic faith, including Scripture, Church history, the Sacraments, morality, and prayer. The goal is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith and to help them develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The OCIA process culminates with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter season. This is a joyous occasion for the entire parish community as we welcome new members into the Church.

You are invited to participate in the OCIA process with your questions, your insights, and your faith story. We believe that everyone has something to contribute to the group.

Persons baptized into another Christian church and now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are also welcomed to participate along with catechumens in the RCIA in the process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith. They bring to the process of preparation their prior experience of Christian life and prayer. For a baptized Christian, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church involves reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and then a Profession of Faith followed by the celebration of Confirmation and Eucharist.

What is the commitment?       

As each of our inquirers, catechumens, and candidates are at different places on their faith journeys, we do not have a “one size fits all” program. We work with each person individually to create a formational experience that immerses them into the life of our parish, especially the weekly celebration of the liturgy. Depending upon their exposure to the church and the life of faith, a person’s preparation may last a few weeks, a few months, or even over a year. The goal is not simply to complete requirements to receive sacraments; rather, we want to assist all inquirers, catechumens, and candidates to grow in their relationship with the living God, the Church, and become equipped to live out a life of missionary discipleship.

How do I begin the process? 

Contact Ben Caduff at benjamin.caduff@risensavior.org, (952) 698-1724, for an Inquiry Session. At the Inquiry Session, we will discuss your faith journey in terms of where you have been, where you are currently, and where you would like to get to. From there, we will begin to develop an individualized formation process, which is a living document, i.e. open to revision as we continue to discern where the Spirit is leading you at this time.

I have questions. Who should I contact?

The OCIA process is coordinated by Ben Caduff, the parish Adult Faith Formation Coordinator. Contact Ben at benjamin.caduff@risensavior.org or call (952) 698-1724.