Welcome!

Are you interested in becoming Catholic or receiving the sacrament of confirmation and first Eucharist? Then this is the place for you!

This initiation process welcomes:

  • Adults who have not yet been baptized and wish to join the Catholic Church
  • Adults baptized in another Christian tradition who seek to become Catholic
  • Adults peptized in the Catholic Church but not raised in the faith, who now desire full initiation (Confirmation, First Eucharist)

For children and teens ages seven to eighteen, preparation is tailored to each individual and includes group and family activities. Initiation for young people follows principles of the adult initiation process rather than those for infant baptism. Please contact Tanya Gross at the Parish Office for more details.

Looking for RCIA or RCIC?

You are still in the right place! The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has decided to rename RCIA to OCIA. The change, reflecting greater connection to the original Latin, is rooted in the idea that the Catholic journey is continual and a lifelong commitment. This update includes revised rites, terminology, and categorization of candidates.

Getting Started

If you are reading this, you have begun to ponder the journey to enter or to come into the fullness of the Catholic Church. This is good news not only for you, but for this entire community of faith! Your desire to grow in relationship with Christ is not only a personal choice, but is also manifested in and through relationship with the Body of Christ, the Church, the People of God! Jesus tells us, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” [Matthew 18:20]


The OCIA Process

There are four periods that belong to this process:

  • Precatechumenate—Inquiry and pondering
  • Catechumenate—scripture, faith sharing, catechesis
  • Purification/Enlightenment—intense spiritual preparation
  • Mystagogia—celebration of the sacraments/Easter season

Stage One: A Time of Inquiry & Growth

The journey toward becoming Catholic begins in a stage called Inquiry—a time for asking questions, exploring faith, and reflecting on how God has been present in your life. During this phase, those known as precatechumenates (that’s you!) are invited to “come and see,” without pressure or commitment.

Your daily experiences of prayer and reflection are an important part of this process. In addition, you are encouraged to attend an OCIA Info Meeting, where you can learn more about the path to full initiation in the Catholic Church, ask questions, and discern where God may be calling you.

If you plan to formally begin the OCIA process during Lent, you must attend at least one Info Meeting. These gatherings also include information about parish membership and the OCIC program for children and teens, along with prayer and spiritual conversation led by parish staff.

To sign up for an Info Meeting, please call the Parish Office.

OCIA Check-In & Info Meeting Schedule 2025/2026

December 11, 2025
January 29, 2026

*All Check-In & Info Meetings take place in Room 10 from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm.

 

Stage Two: A Time of Catechesis and Faith sharing

At this stage, precatechumenates become either Catechuments (non-baptized) or Candidates (baptized) and are formally welcomed into the parish with the Rite of Acceptance, which affords the community the opportunity to come to know, recognize and pray for and with you. From the duration of this stage, the group gathers weekly to reflect on the Scriptures, explore how God is working in their loves, and discuss key topics about the Catholic Faith.

OCIA Reflection Gatherings

February 15, 2026
February 22, 2026
March 1, 2026
March 8, 2026
March 15, 2026
March 22, 2026

Stage Three: The Time of Enlightenment & Purification

This period begins a short but intense time of spiritual preparation. The group, along with the entire parish community, examine how they are living their lives for Christ. This stage ends with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

OCIA Holy Week Reflection Gatherings

March 29, 2026 (Retreat)
April 2, 2026 (Holy Thursday)
April 3, 2026 (Good Friday)
April 4, 2026 (Easter Vigil Rehearsal)
April 4, 2026 (Easter Vigil)

Stage Four: Processing the Experience

This stage is called the Mystagogia. At this session the group gathers to reflect on the sacramental experience and explore what it will be like to “live the mystery.”

OCIA Final Reflection Gathering

April 12, 2026

Ways to Help with OCIA

OCIA Catechumenate Team

The Catechumenate Team works alongside Tanya to lead the Sunday Reflection Gatherings in stages two, three, and four of the OCIA process. Team members are also encouraged to participate in the OCIA Info Meetings to get to know potential Candidates and Catechuments. Team members usually facilitate sessions in pairs, planning the sessions together and encouraging whole-group participation. To learn more about being on this team, contact Tanya Gross at the Parish Office.