OCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

• Sacramental Program Policies

Interested in becoming a member of the Roman Catholic Church?

The journey to the Catholic Church can take a couple of different paths.  

Are you an adult who hasn’t been baptized?

If you’re 14 and older and haven’t received the sacrament of baptism, you’ll enter a process of conversion and formation called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).  This process takes place in a Church parish alongside priests, deacons, lay Catholics, and other men and women who are making the same journey that you are.  In the beginning, you’ll hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. This Good News will help you to grow in faith: believing in God, believing what he has revealed, and surrendering to him in trust.  It will also help you to grow in repentance: sorrow for the ways that you’ve failed to love him and your neighbor.  After some time, you’ll enter a period of formation called the catechumenate.  Here, you’ll learn more about God and the Church, grow in the Christian way of life, participate in the Church’s prayer, and engage in acts of Christian service.  This entire journey will culminate at Easter, the day of Jesus’ Resurrection, when you will become a member of the Christian faithful, receiving the sacraments of baptism (washing in water), confirmation (anointing with oil), and first holy communion (receiving Jesus’ Body and Blood).  

Seeking sacraments for your child who hasn’t been baptized?

Perhaps you’re seeking sacraments for your child.  If your child is younger than 7, simply visit your Church parish.  This process usually takes only a couple of months. For children between the ages of 7 and 14 who haven’t received the sacrament of baptism, the process takes a bit longer and is similar to the one outlined above.  The goals are the same: to help your child to grow in faith and repentance, and to lead him through a process of study, growth in love, prayer, and service.  

Baptized in another Christian community and seeking to become Catholic?

In this case, the process of formation will differ from person to person.  The first step is to contact a Church parish and meet with the priest, deacon, or other staff member.  Here, you’ll discuss the process of formation which best fits your unique situation. This process may happen quickly; it may also take some time.  

Catholic who needs Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion?

The sacraments of confirmation (anointing with oil) and first communion (receiving Jesus’ Body and Blood) complete our initiation as Catholics.  The process of formation will differ from parish to parish.

What next?

For more information about these different paths or for assistance contacting a Church parish, contact Angela Fruge at agfruge@diolaf.org or 337-261-5550.