OCIA – English

Interested in Becoming Catholic?

Come and see. Ask questions, meet the team, and begin the journey toward full communion with the Catholic Church.

Start Your Journey Today

Welcome

Whether you are exploring the Catholic faith for the first time, seeking to deepen your relationship with Christ, or simply want to ask a question, we invite you to join us for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

OCIA is not merely a class—it is a process of conversion, prayer, instruction, and incorporation into the life of the Church. You will encounter the richness of the Catholic faith, grow in your understanding of Scripture and the Sacraments, and be invited into full communion with the Church founded by Jesus Christ.

OCIA is for:

  • Adults seeking Baptism
  • Baptized Christians wishing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church
  • Baptized Catholics who have not received Confirmation or First Communion
  • Those returning to the Church and seeking to grow more deeply in the Catholic faith
  • Anyone sincerely seeking to understand the Catholic faith

Ready to Get Started?

Meet Our OCIA Team

Our team includes faithful Catholics, educators, and mentors who are committed to handing on the fullness of the faith. We believe the Catholic faith is both intellectually rich and spiritually transformative: questions are welcome, serious study is encouraged, and the life of prayer is essential. Wherever you are starting, we walk this path together.

Jim Fage II
Deacon Jim Fage II
Lori Batman
Lori Batman
Andrew Heim
Dr. Andrew Heim
Kimberly Toby
Kimberly Toby
Erica Bramhall
Erica Bramhall
Elaine Harrah
Elaine Harrah

OCIA FAQ

What is OCIA?
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process by which adults are prepared to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church through prayer, study, and participation in parish life, culminating in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Do I have to commit right away?
No. The early stages of OCIA are a time of inquiry and discernment. You are welcome to attend, ask questions, and take time to consider before making any commitment.
Who is OCIA for?
OCIA is for those who have never been baptized, baptized Christians who desire full communion with the Catholic Church, baptized Catholics who have not yet received Confirmation or the Eucharist, and anyone sincerely seeking to understand the Catholic faith.
When and where do we meet?
We meet Monday nights from 6:30–8:00 PM. Each gathering includes prayer, clear teaching, and time for questions. If you are interested in attending, please take a moment to fill out our OCIA Interest Form so we can get to know you and follow up personally.

Fill Out the OCIA Interest Form
How long does the process take?
The process typically begins in late summer and continues through Easter, when many are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. The timeline may vary depending on each person’s readiness and circumstances.
Is there a cost?
There is no cost to participate. All materials are provided free of charge.
What if I am already baptized?
If you have already been validly baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, you would not be baptized again. Instead, you would be prepared to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.

This ordinarily includes a profession of faith, Confirmation, and reception of the Holy Eucharist, often at Easter.
Do I need a sponsor?
Yes. Those preparing to enter the Church are accompanied by a sponsor: a confirmed, practicing Catholic who walks with them in faith, offers support, and serves as a witness to the Christian life.

If you already know a Catholic who can serve as your sponsor, you are welcome to ask them. If not, our team will help connect you with a suitable sponsor from the parish. We strongly encourage sponsors to attend sessions with you if possible.
What if I am divorced or remarried?
You are very welcome. Because the Catholic Church takes marriage seriously as a lifelong and sacramental bond, prior marriages may need to be reviewed before a person can be received into full communion. In some cases, this may involve seeking a declaration of nullity or taking other necessary steps in accord with the Church’s teaching. Our team will help you understand the process and walk with you through it with clarity, honesty, and care.
Can my children join too?
Yes. Children and teens follow age-appropriate paths of formation, and we will help connect your family with the appropriate process.

We also offer childcare during OCIA sessions for those who need it. Our childcare team is safe-environment certified, and children enjoy crafts, playtime, and outdoor activities.
What if I am not ready by Easter?
There is no pressure to enter the Church before you are ready. OCIA is a process of discernment, and individuals may continue preparing until the time is right.
Do I have to agree with everything the Church teaches?
During OCIA, you are not expected to have everything figured out. This is a time to learn, ask questions, and grow in understanding. At the same time, entering into full communion with the Catholic Church does require a free and sincere profession of the faith of the Church. Our goal is not to pressure you, but to help you understand what the Church teaches and why, so that you may respond with both faith and reason.
What if I have doubts or difficult questions?
You are not alone. Questions and doubts are often part of the journey. OCIA is a place where honest questions are welcomed and taken seriously. We believe the Catholic faith is true and reasonable. You will be encouraged to ask, seek, and wrestle seriously with important questions as you grow in understanding.
Why become Catholic instead of just staying where I am?
The Catholic Church has received and preserved the fullness of the faith taught by Christ and handed on by His Apostles. OCIA is an opportunity to explore that claim seriously and to discern whether God is calling you into full communion with the Catholic Church.
How do I get started?
The best way to get started is to fill out our OCIA Interest Form. Once we hear from you, a member of our team will reach out, answer your questions, and help you take the next step.

Fill Out the Form

Stages of OCIA

1 👋 Inquiry

Come and see; ask questions, meet the team, and begin discerning.

2 📖 Catechumenate

Formation in the Catholic faith through Sacred Scripture, the Creed, prayer, and active participation in the life of the Church.

3 🌅 Purification & Illumination

A period of Lenten preparation marked by deeper prayer, repentance, and the Church’s rites of purification, including the scrutinies.

4 🕊️ Celebration of the Sacraments

The Sacraments of Initiation are ordinarily celebrated at the Easter Vigil: Baptism for the unbaptized, followed by Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.

5 🌿 Mystagogy

A time of deeper reflection on the Sacraments and continued growth in the Christian life through full participation in the Church.

Start Your Journey Today