OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Welcome to OCIA
We are very glad you are inquiring about the possibility or desire for you to become Catholic. We are very eager and glad to share our faith with you and we have a wonderful process to help you grow along the way.
The first step for this process is what you are doing just now: inquiring about your faith and trying to understand it better and beginning the process to incorporate it into your daily living.
We have other brothers and sisters doing the same process and we gather together on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. There is no commitment to anything at this time: you can come to any meeting you would like and to as many sessions as you would need to make the decision that this is where the Lord is leading you in your spiritual journey.
What is OCIA (formerly, RCIA)?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.” Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.
The OCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the apostles. It was the early Church’s way of Christianizing the pagan Roman Empire.
The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.
We are here to answer all your questions and to help you understand our way of life and our rich and wonderful Catholic traditions.
for more information please contact, Ms. Fernandez
https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/christian-initiation-of-adults
Periods of the OCIA Process
Period of Inquiry/Evangelization: This is a time, of no fixed duration or structure, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values, an opportunity for the beginnings of Faith. St. Catherine’s offers a year-long inquiry process so that interested parties may inquire at any time throughout the year.
The Period of Catechumenate: Following the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming the “Catechumen” instruction deepens individual conversion and provides for more in-depth focus on the doctrines of the Catholic faith.
The Period of Purification and Enlightenment: The Rite of Election marks a period of more intense spiritual preparation intended to purify the mind and heart of the “Elect” and to deepen their knowledge of and relationship to Christ. Typically, this period coincides with Lent, but as the OCIA process is year-round, this can happen whenever a catechumen is ready.
The Sacraments of Initiation: The “Elect” are fully initiated into the Church through the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, traditionally celebrated at the Easter Vigil liturgy.
The Period of Mystagogy: After the completion of their Christian initiation the “Neophyte” (new Catholic) enters a period of deepening of their understanding of their new faith. Their focus during this six-week period is development of their personal spiritual life and introduction into full involvement in the Mission of the Church through ministries and outreach.
Adult Registration
Who is OCIA for?
- Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith
- Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism, or Profession of Faith
- Those who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received religious education, Confirmation, or First Eucharist
When is OCIA?
- OCIA (English) – Tuesday – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
- OCIA ( (Español) ) martes – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Place: Siena Parish Center
CALENDAR 2024-2025
Handbook 2024-2025
Welcome to the OCIA Handbook
In this handbook, you will find important information to guide you through your journey in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Whether you are new to the Catholic faith or deepening your understanding, this resource is designed to support you every step of the way.
OCIA for Children
Sponsor Form
Learn More with FORMED
If you a looking for information on the Catholic Faith and would like to learn at your own pace before you join our process of becoming Catholic, you can subscribe to FORMED.org and find many wonderful materials for all ages about our Catholic faith.
It is a free subscription through our parish, just write “St Catherine of Siena” in the box and click next.
