Order of Christian Initiation of ADULTS (and Children)
ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
of ADULTS (O.C.I.A.) and Children
THE JOURNEY
Becoming Catholic is an amazing, life-changing journey. Much more than a series of educational classes, it moves through a process of deep discernment and formation. God offers each of us the grace of desiring and seeking love, truth, and meaning. He is the initiator and giver of all faith, who inspires and guides us on our journey. Throughout the process of initiation into the Catholic Church, the people of God accompany those seeking full initiation step-by-step, to support, guide, and help them discern God’s call in their life
NoT BapTIZED But interested in
becoming a catholic
The Orderof Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA is an ancient process that was revived recently at the Second Vatican Council. The process of OCIA corresponds to the stages of individual faith development and personal conversion. It also involves the deeper conversion of the accompanying Catholic community, who witness and partake in the same spiritual journey. In order to hear and follow God’s voice, those seeking initiation enter into RCIA with a parish community through prayer and discernment.
For the unbaptized, this journey may lead to the waters of new life in Baptism, the sealing of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, and the partaking of the “Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity” of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Eucharist.
The journey of each person is unique. The RCIA process respects this and the ritual reflects it. Your local parish is your starting point to begin this exciting chapter in your faith journey. Fill out the Inquiry Form HERE.
BAPTIZED IN A DIFFERENT CHRISTIAN TRADITION OR DENOMINATION
If you were baptized with water, in the name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are a Christian! Depending on your circumstances, your process of formation and discernment would prepare you for a profession of faith, the sacrament of Confirmation, and reception of Holy Eucharist. When you call your local parish representative or contact our team, you should share your personal experience of Church and faith with them. This will help them determine your next steps towards full initiation.
Fill out Inquiry Form HERE.
BAPTIZED CATHOLIC, INTERESTED IN FULL INITIATION INTO THE CHURCH
If you were already baptized into the Catholic Church, you are a Catholic! Many people find themselves in this situation. Perhaps your parents raised you Catholic, but for some reason, you missed the sacrament of Confirmation. You may have been baptized Catholic but for various reasons were not raised in the faith. You may have never gone to Mass regularly, attended faith formation, or prepared for First Communion or Confirmation. When you call your local parish representative or contact our team, you should share your personal experience of Church and faith with them. This will help them determine your next steps towards full initiation. Fill out Inquiry Form HERE.
- Are you interested (or do you know someone who is) in learning more about the Catholic way of life?
- Are you interested in becoming Catholic?
- Have you been away from the faith?
- Are you a baptized Catholic but still need to receive First Eucharist and or Confirmation?
- Are you a Catholic and have questions about your faith?
- Are you seeking something more?
St. Thomas of Canterbury OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) Team welcomes all! We are here to provide information and spiritual guidance for all those interested in becoming Catholic, those interested in completing the sacraments and those who have a desire to know God.
OCIA itself is a process developed by the Catholic Church for unbaptized adults and children (ages 7 and above) guiding them through education, formation and ritualization of entrance into the Catholic community. This process is always open and is year round since God’s time and plan is different for everyone.
Contact Vicki Schwoob for inquiries and sacraments: info@stthomassj.org or (408) 378-1595.