Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

WHAT IS OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) — formerly known as RCIA — is the process of spiritual and educational formation through which adults become fully initiated members of the Roman Catholic Church.  Each year at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, thousands enter the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). The journey begins with a period of inquiry and learning about Jesus and the Catholic faith. Those who feel called move into the Catechumenate, a time of deeper formation, prayer, and discernment within the parish community.

On the first Sunday of Lent, candidates celebrate the Rite of Election and become known as the Elect as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. At the Easter Vigil, they are baptized, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist, fully entering the Church. Their journey continues in a period called Mystagogy, where they reflect on the sacraments and grow in their commitment to live and serve as active members of the Catholic community.

OCIA AT SAINT JULIANA PARISH

The OCIA program is scheduled to begin on September 13, 2026, and continues through Palm Sunday on March 21, 2027. The group gathers at the 9:30 a.m. Mass each Sunday. Participants are dismissed midway through Mass and proceed to the Parish Center, where they reflect on the Sunday Scripture readings and discuss topics related to our Catholic faith. Sessions conclude by 11:00 a.m.  The group takes a short break during the Christmas season.

Cost is free!

Those preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church will receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil in the spring on March 27, 2027.

WHO CAN JOIN OCIA?

The OCIA process begins with building community among those choosing this journey. No prior religious affiliation is needed.

The OCIA welcomes:

a) the unbaptized
b) Christians baptized in non-Catholic churches
c) baptized Catholics who seek to complete their sacraments of initiation: Confirmation and/or Communion.

Adults and high school students can participate in OCIA (children would participate in our Religious Education program)

SPONSORS

Sponsors of OCIA candidates are individuals who will journey with the inquirer through the process until they are baptized and/or confirmed. Sponsors should be fully initiated in the Christian life, who are open to sharing their faith with the inquirer. They must be over 16 and may not be the inquirer’s parent. If you are an inquirer, and do not have someone who would make a good sponsor, there are Team members and parishioners who are open to serving as sponsors. Sponsors are encouraged to attend RCIA meetings as they are able.