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

Want to become Catholic?

OCIA Program

The journey of faith begins with your questions…
Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church? Do you have questions about the Church and your faith?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) is a program for people interested in exploring and possibly joining the Catholic Church. It begins with a simple inquiry period where questions lead to exploration. 

Becoming Catholic: O.C.I.A gets you there in 4 Simple Steps

1st Step: Inquiry Period–where questions lead to exploration. Drop in– no obligation, no commitment, just discovery.

2nd Step: Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens– more formal study and teaching of the faith  

3rd Step: Rite of Election and discernment period– with the help of a sponsor and your RCIA team, discern whether God is calling you to the Sacraments

4th Step: Initiation and Mystagogia– Celebration of the Sacraments at Easter Vigil and finding your place in our Parish Community.
 
 
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What is OCIA? 

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.)
 
In recent years there has been a great increase in the number of adults who are joining the Catholic Church.  O.C.I.A. (which stands for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a program designed to help non-Catholics and non-practicing Catholics learn more about Catholicism through a series of classes, discussions, prayer times and ceremonies.  This program helps people grow in faith and knowledge of God as they consider becoming Catholic.  There is no obligation to join the Catholic Church. 
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St.Dominic’s O.C.I.A. program is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. If you are not yet sure whether you want to become Catholic, you are still welcome to participate as you make your decision. People from all sorts of religious backgrounds join the OCIA. Some have been baptized in another Christian religion and some have not. Some have been practicing members of a Christian religion for years and some have had little or no religious instruction or support. Some are already Catholic but are seeking a greater understanding of our Faith.

The O.C.I.A. is a mix of praying, learning facts, discussing how these apply to our lives, participating in prayerful ceremonies (called “rites”) and most importantly, using all of these experiences to build and grow in a relationship with God. Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church?  The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) is a program for people interested in exploring and possibly joining the Catholic Church. Adults wishing to enter the Catholic Church typically receive the sacraments of Baptism (unless baptized in another Christian faith), Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist at Easter. 

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Order of Christian Initiation for Children & Teens

Children of catechetical age (7 through 17) are invited to the Order of Christian Initiation of Children.  Through the process of Religious Education, children become aware of the life of the Church and begin to develop a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Children will participate in the rituals throughout the Liturgical year.  During the Easter Vigil, children and adults are fully initiated in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. 
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