If you are aged 7 or older and interested in becoming Catholic, your journey begins with the Order of Christian Initiation. We offer two pathways based on your age:

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• Youth (Ages 7–17): Please visit our Youth Faith Formation page for specific details regarding your preparation.

• Adults (Ages 18+): The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church. It is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation.

 

The OCIA Process While every person’s journey of faith is unique, the process generally follows a structured path.

 

For the Unbaptized (The Catechumenate) If you have not been baptized and wish to become a Christian in the Catholic tradition, you begin as an inquirer. This is a time to ask questions, learn about the faith, and discern whether you wish to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.

 

When you are ready to move forward, you will be formally welcomed by our pastor as a Catechumen and paired with a sponsor who will mentor and guide you.  When you are ready, you will be called to the Elect by the bishop, and prepare for your Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil. 

 

For Baptized Christians (Candidate)- If you have already been validly baptized in another Christian tradition, your journey into the Catholic Church focuses on completing your Christian initiation. You will join OCIA sessions to explore the Catholic faith and prepare to make a profession of faith. Upon completion, you will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. While the majority of candidates are welcomed into Full Communion on Easter morning, timing can be adjusted to fit your individual journey.

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Click the graphic to register for OCIA classes!