What is OCIA?

In the Christian tradition, persons are received into the Catholic faith through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. These are known as Sacraments of Initiation. That is, by these sacraments, one becomes fully initiated into the Catholic Church, and in particular, an important part of the Catholic worshiping community at Saint Joseph Parish.

OCIA, or Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is the process by which this happens. For those already baptized in the Catholic faith, it is the process by which they make their Confirmation and/or First Communion. For non-Catholics, it is the process by which they discern the call to enter the Catholic Church.

Who is OCIA For?

OCIA is for individuals in any of the following three (3) categories, who seek to be in full communion with the Catholic Church:

• Unbaptized persons (known as catechumens)
• Persons baptized in another Christian faith who wish to enter the Catholic Church (known as candidates)
• Baptized Catholics who wish to receive First Communion and/or Confirmation (also referred to as candidates)

Discernment

Discerning whether or not to receive these sacraments, and thus enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, requires time for prayer, reflection, study and conversation. Here at Saint Joseph, the OCIA program is designed to assist you in this process of discernment. You are invited to meet once a week with parishioners, others who are discerning, and those who desire to complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. These sessions give you the time to ask all of your questions.

While we don't promise any simple, easy answers, we do promise an environment where your questions and your story will be heard with the respect and understanding they deserve. These sessions will also be a time for us to reflect on the movement of God in our lives, to share our thoughts and feelings, to study the Catholic faith, and to pray, so that we might be more attentive to the presence of God in our lives.

OCIA for Children

In the Catholic Church, all those over the age of seven are considered adults, so OCIA is also the process through which children over the age of seven, who were not baptized as infants or baptized in another denomination, are initiated into the Catholic Church. The process is adapted to meet each child's development and spiritual level.

Contact

Sean Driscoll
Director of Faith Formation
574-234-3134, ext. 114
sdriscoll@stjoeparish.com