Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
What is OCIA?
OCIA stands for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Saint Paul Catholic Newman Center’s OCIA program is focused on adults who have not been baptized or who have been baptized in another Christian church and wish to explore Catholicism. In some cases, baptized Catholics with little or no religious education may participate in the OCIA program.
When Do Sessions Start?
The Newman Center OCIA program is available to inquirers year-round—there are no specific start and stop dates—just as there is no set schedule by which God calls us to a new beginning. So if you are interested in finding answers to your questions about the Catholic faith, call us any time. You will be treated as an individual, and will be given time to become acquainted with the Catholic community and the gospel values we attempt to live.
The OCIA Process
Pre-catechumenate (Inquiry)
The time you spend in Inquiry gives you the opportunity to determine whether you are seriously interested and called to become incorporated into the Catholic community. It’s a time to develop your relationship with God and resolve any questions you might have.
We welcome you to this very special journey of faith and hope that you will see us not as “teachers” but rather as friends who wish to be companions on your journey. In OCIA, we incorporate celebrations, reflection and retreat, prayer experiences and social occasions to build community.
Catechumenate
As you move beyond Inquiry into the Catechumenate, which is a more focused stage of formation, you will be accompanied by a sponsor and will expand your formation on key tenets of the Catholic Church.
Purification and Enlightenment
Those elected for Baptism prepare to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil.
Mystagogia
Newly initiated Catholics continue their formation by reflecting on their experience at the Easter Vigil and become more integrated into the community of the Church.
Volunteer Opportunities
ALL OCIA Volunteers work as Team Members, so we support each other during each step of the journey!
Explore the different roles below to see which team is the best fit.
- Help with overall planning and paperwork
- Help with OCIA key events
- Team meets twice a year, 12-Session classes for people interested in joining the Catholic Church
- Jan – Mar and Jul – Sep
- Team presents provided material on Catholic faith and promotes discussion
- You do not have to be an expert on the Catholic faith
- OCIA Team and Clergy Support for the entire process
- Help with leading Dismissal (after 11:30 Mass Homily)
- Discussion of readings and homily
- Help promote discussion during Speaker presentation after Dismissal (45 minutes)
- Each week a speaker will present on the topic of the week
- Year-long (Easter to Easter) with a break in December and from Mid-June to Mid-Aug
- Team approach allows for Sundays off, as we rotate responsibility
- You do not have to be an expert on the Catholic faith
- Prepare catechumenates for Easter Vigil Rites and post Vigil introduction to our church
- Starts during Lent and goes until 4 weeks after Easter
- Lead discussions on 3 Scrutinies, Spiritual Preparation, and Church involvement
- You do not have to be an expert on the Catholic faith
Becoming a Sponsor
Active Catholics interested in becoming OCIA sponsors should contact the OCIA team at [email protected].
You can review the roles and responsibilities of becoming a sponsor in the document below.
