The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process for adults who desire to join the Catholic faith and for those seeking more information on the Catholic Church. OCIA can also be a method for Catholics to complete their reception of the initiation sacraments. The manual used in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults states that the rite is designed for adults “who after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God.” The manual also states when speaking about those in the process “By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time receive the sacraments fruitfully.”
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a faith formation process designed primarily for adults who have not been baptized in any faith and are intentionally seeking God in their lives. O.C.I.A. also is for those baptized in other Christian denominations, as well as baptized Catholics who have never completed the “Sacraments of Initiation”, namely, Confirmation, seven-fold gifts of the Holy Spirit, and Holy Eucharist, the precious Body and Blood of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ.
Those who seek God as an adult have an opportunity to develop a closer relationship with Him. OCIA helps people foster that personal relationship and discover great spiritual union with God. Our parish OCIA team teaches the fullness of the Catholic faith, relates it to the Holy Scriptures, and act as spiritual guides. Individuals are aided by sponsors – family, friends, and parishioners – who are companions on our journey through life, and who are themselves seeking to know, to serve, and to love God more dearly.
“I will go peaceably and firmly to the Catholic Church: for if Faith is so important to our salvation, I will seek it where true Faith first began, seek it among those who received it from God Himself.” ― Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
The OCIA process guides the catechumen and/or candidates through four periods of growth and three rites. Each rite marks the transition from one period to the next.
For further information about becoming a Catholic and/or volunteering to assist with the parish OCIA program, please call our parish office at 814.495.5241.
For a beginners guide to a life of Faith, please visit beginningCatholic.com.
Prayer For OCIA Candidates
Father of love and power, it is your will to establish everything in Christ and to draw us into his all-embracing love. Guide the elect of your Church: strengthen them in their vocation, build them into the kingdom of your Son, and seal them with the Spirit of your promise. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
OCIA Testimony: Kaitlyn (2:38)
