Adult OCIA (Formerly RCIA)

What is OCIA for Adults?

OCIA stands for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, which is a process developed by the Catholic Church for adults who are interested in converting to Catholicism or completing their sacraments of initiation. The process is designed to help adults deepen their understanding of Catholic beliefs and practices, and to prepare them to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

The OCIA process typically involves a series of meetings and discussions, during which participants learn about Catholic teachings, pray together, and reflect on their faith journey. The process is led by a team of sponsors and catechists who are there to offer guidance and answer questions as participants prayerfully discern whether Catholicism is right for them.

The OCIA process is designed to be a gradual and intentional process, with several distinct periods:

1. Inquiry: This is the initial stage of the process, during which participants are introduced to the basics of the Catholic faith and begin to learn about its teachings and practices.
2. Catechumenate: This is the main stage of the process, during which participants delve deeper into Catholic teachings and begin preparing to receive the sacraments.
3. Purification and Enlightenment: In this stage, participants reflect on their faith journey thus far and make final spiritual preparation for receiving the sacraments.
4. Mystagogy: This is the final stage of the process, which takes place after participants receive their sacraments. During this stage participants reflect on their lived experience in the church and begin to integrate their faith more fully into their daily lives.

Throughout the process, participants are encouraged to pray, reflect, and grow in their faith, and to develop a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church and its teachings. The OCIA process is a journey of faith and conversion and is designed to help adults deepen their relationship with God and with the Catholic Church.

Enrolling in OCIA

To enroll in OCIA at St. Jude click on the appropriate link below and complete an application. Please read the instructions carefully before beginning. Several documents are required to complete this application. It is usually best to gather these first.

English

Spanish