Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)

Ignite Your Journey of Faith with OCIA!

Are you, or someone you know, interested in becoming Catholic or completing your Sacraments? The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is here to guide you on this exciting journey! Recently updated in 2024, OCIA is the new version of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), approved by the USCCB and confirmed by the Apostolic See.

What is OCIA?

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a series of sessions where adults (18+) explore the Catholic Faith and prepare to be fully initiated through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Whether you’re new to the faith or seeking to continue your journey, OCIA will light your path to becoming a part of the Catholic Church.

Who is OCIA for?

• Unbaptized adults curious about the Catholic Faith and potentially becoming Catholic.
• Baptized Christians from other denominations interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and possibly joining.
• Baptized Catholics looking to complete their Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
• Fully initiated Catholics wanting a “refresher” to be “on fire” for our Catholic Faith.

When does OCIA start?
Our program sparks to life with an Info Session in late Summer, and sessions begin in the Fall, continuing through the Easter Vigil Mass. Exact class schedule is determined based on the Easter Vigil each year. To be respectful of everyone’s full schedule, we’ll include a mix of in-person and virtual sessions with plenty of time for personal study and self reflection.

OCIA for Littler Lites (2nd–12th Grade)

We also offer OCIA for children who haven’t completed their Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist or Confirmation. Whether they are unbaptized or were baptized in another Christian faith, we’ll help you guide them on their Faith journey!

Timing & Schedule
The frequency, timing and duration of OCIA sessions for children will be determined on a case-by-case basis following a conversation with one of our clergy. Typically:

• For 1st–6th graders, participation in our Religious Education program may be recommended.
• For 7th–12th graders, we may recommend home study with periodic check-ins with clergy and/or a mentor, alongside participation in our Youth Ministry.

We’d love to welcome you! To register for our OCIA program, please contact the parish office at (84) 979-0901 or sgoranson@archchicago.org.