Welcome!

Are you interested in becoming Catholic or receiving the sacrament of Confirmation & 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 Maggie Russell 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

During this stage, precatechumenates (that’s you!) begin their journey. This period of inquiry is a ‘come and explore’ phase, where those interested can reflect on their life journey and consider how God has been present in their lives up to now. This occurs at our monthly Check-In & Info Meeting.

These virtual meetings are a time for you to ask questions and to learn about Jesus, the Catholic Church and Catholicism, the Bible, the Sacraments and other questions you have about faith and God. You will also have the opportunity to share a little about yourself and your faith experiences. Additionally, Maggie will provide information about joining the Parish, the OCIC program, and lead the group in prayer and other spiritual exercises. Precatechumenates are welcome to start this process at any time between September and December and are encouraged to attend all meetings after they join OCIC. To attend these meetings, contact Maggie Russell at the Parish Office for the Zoom information.

At the end of this period, you will discern if you are ready to continue this journey of faith in the Catholic church. If so, you will gather virtually with the RCIA team and the other inquirers for a final OCIC Check-In & Info Meeting, the Inquirers Celebration!

OCIA Check-In & Info Meeting Schedule 2024/2025

September 12, 2024
October 10, 2024
November 14, 2024
December 12, 2024
January 9, 2025
February 13, 2025 (Inquirers Celebration)

*All Check-In & Info Meetings take place virtually via Zoom from 6:30 pm-7:30 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

March 9, 2025
March 16, 2025
March 23, 2025 (Scrutinies)
March 30, 2025 (Scrutinies)
April 6, 2025 (Scrutinies)

 

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 Lenten Reflection Gatherings

April 7-13, 2025 (Self-Guided Retreat)
April 17, 2025 (Holy Thursday)
April 18, 2025 (Good Friday)
April 19, 2025 (Easter Vigil Rehearsal)
April 19, 2025 (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 27, 2025

Ways to Help with OCIA

OCIA Catechumenate Team

The Catechumenate Team works alongside Maggie 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 monthly OCIA Check-In & 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 Maggie Russell at the Parish Office.