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OCIA
Become Catholic
End the Search
Begin your journey, join OCIA (formerly RCIA).
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults introduces adults to the teachings of the Catholic Church, the Bible, and the Sacramental Life. Although specifically designed for those thinking about becoming Catholic, we welcome baptized adult Christians to join us on the journey. The OCIA process prepares unbaptized adults to make a conscious choice whether or not they want to receive the sacraments of initiation offered by the Catholic Church (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). Baptized adult Christians discern their desire to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by a profession of faith and to complete the sacraments of initiation offered by the Catholic Church (Confirmation and Eucharist).
Why the Name Change for RCIA to OCIA? During their November 2021 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting, the U.S. Bishops changed the name of the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) to Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). This name change reflects the Catholic Church's desire to return to the most accurate and precise English translations from previous Latin texts. Now that this change has been approved by the Vatican, we will move forward with the name OCIA.
Registration Information: Registration for the current 2024-2025 session is closed. The 2025-2026 session will begin in September 2025. Registration will open in July 2025. Please email Deacon Henry to be added to the notification list for when registration opens. Para español, por favor haga clic aquí.
Is it for me?
OCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church and baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Catholic Church.
I am already Catholic and want to receive Confirmation.
For Catholics who have already been Baptized and received their First Eucharist, we offer the Adult Confirmation process, which may be a better fit for you than OCIA. Learn more.
Is OCIA appropriate for children?
OCIA Adapted for Children is for children seven years and old who are unbaptized or Baptized in another Christian denomination. We begin registration in August and meet beginning in September.
What's the first step?
The first step to explore the OCIA process is to schedule a meeting with our Director of Continuing Formation and Outreach, Deacon Henry Wiechman and let us together see how we can best help you grow closer to Christ, grow in faith, and receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
Click here to email Deacon Henry.
Below are the 80 faces of our 2024-2025 OCIA & RICA Candidates. Here at St. Francis, we are passionate about walking with people in the faith. If you would like to begin your own journey please contact one of our staff members found below.
Contacts
Henry Wiechman
Director of Continuing Formation and Outreach
Jennifer Alameda
Manager of Christian Initiation