Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
A year-long journey of questions, prayer, and community for anyone exploring the Catholic faith — whether you've never been baptized, were baptized in another tradition, or are baptized Catholic but never completed Confirmation or Eucharist.
The Church restored "the catechumenate for adults, comprising several distinct steps" after the Second Vatican Council — Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 1230–1233
Why "OCIA" Instead of "RCIA"?
In 2021, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a new English translation of the ritual text, renaming the process from RCIA to OCIA. The word "Order" better captures that becoming Catholic isn't a single ceremony but a staged journey — and "Rite" was misleading, since several distinct rites (not just one) mark a person's growing commitment along the way.
Terminology shifted too: where RCIA generally used "candidate," OCIA distinguishes between an inquirer (just starting to ask questions), a catechumen (unbaptized, preparing for Baptism), and the elect (formally chosen at the Rite of Election, preparing for Easter).
Source: "From RCIA to OCIA: Explaining the Shift," Today's Catholic (Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend, 2023)
Four Stages, One Path to Easter
OCIA unfolds gradually, marked by rites that deepen as your own sense of the faith deepens. No one rushes you from one stage to the next.
Inquiry
Open questions, no commitment
Catechumenate
Weekly formation, Aug–Feb
Purification & Enlightenment
Lent, Scrutinies, Rite of Election
Mystagogy
Easter to Pentecost, after the sacraments
Full OCIA Schedule
Weekly sessions run Thursdays, 6:30–8:00 pm, in the St. Bernadette Catholic Center unless noted otherwise. Download the full schedule below, including diocesan-wide celebrations at other locations.
Interested in OCIA?
There's no obligation in reaching out — Inquiry is exactly what it sounds like: bring your questions, and see where the conversation goes. Fill out the form and our OCIA team will contact you.
Sponsoring someone, or just curious for a friend or family member? The form works for that too.
Questions? Contact our Director of Adult Faith Formation at [email protected] or 850-238-0255.
Scan to express interest from your phone — handy for the bulletin or a bulletin-board flyer.
OCIA Interest Form
A thorough intake so our team can prepare for your first conversation. Opens in a new tab.
Open Interest Form →