Becoming Catholic
How adults are baptized, confirmed, and received into the Catholic Church.
Are you drawn to the Catholic Church, considering Baptism, or seeking to complete your initiation as a Catholic? We would be glad to hear from you. You need not have every question answered before you ask.
What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults—often called OCIA—is the Church’s way of preparing adults to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist) or, for those already baptized in another Christian community, to be received into full communion. Modeled on the catechumenate of the early Church, it includes instruction in the faith, prayer, participation in the liturgy, and the rites by which the Church receives new members.
People come with different experiences. Some have never been baptized; others were baptized in another Christian community; others were baptized Catholic but did not complete their preparation for the sacraments. A conversation with the parish helps identify a path appropriate to your circumstances.
The period of inquiry
OCIA begins with inquiry: a time to ask questions and hear the Gospel proclaimed. Contacting us does not commit you to becoming Catholic. You are welcome to learn what the Church believes, how Catholics pray, and what it means to follow Jesus Christ.
If you already belong to another Christian community, we will listen with respect to your experience. If you have been away from the Catholic Church, the parish can help determine whether OCIA or another form of pastoral support would serve you best.
Formation and the rites
Formation draws on Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, prayer, the moral life, and the liturgy. The sacraments of initiation are ordinarily celebrated at the Easter Vigil, though the timing for each person depends on their situation and readiness. Please ask for current meeting arrangements rather than relying on an older class notice.
Begin here
Contact the parish office and say that you would like to speak about becoming Catholic or completing your initiation. Mention your preferred language and a convenient way to reach you. If records are needed, the parish will explain how to request and provide them.
You are welcome to attend Mass while you inquire. We will pray for you, and we look forward to meeting you.