Learn More about becoming Catholic/OCIA

at St. Columba

What is the OCIA?


The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process of initiation into the Catholic Community of Faith for persons who are experiencing a conversion in their lives and seeking either Christian baptism in the Catholic Church or full Communion with the Catholic tradition of Eucharist and Confirmation. It is a process that enables the study of the Gospels, Catholic Christian teaching, the acceptance of Christian values and morality, and the development and deepening of a life of prayer and action with the support and involvement of the local Christian community. The OCIA is more than a course of instruction. It is a process of conversion, designed to meet the unique and individual needs of the participants.


Who is OCIA for?


  • Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith
  • Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism or Profession of Faith
  • Those who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received religious education, Confirmation, or First Eucharist.


Why an OCIA Process? 


Christians are made, not born. There is nothing automatic or instant in the Rite of Christian Initiation. The development of faith takes time; it cannot be rushed. The candidates must be allowed sufficient time for their faith to ripen. Ordinarily, this means anywhere from one to two years of formation depending, of course, on the background and spiritual maturity of the candidates. In the past (in fact, hundreds of years ago), a person desiring reception into the Christian Community studied, prayed, fasted, and did good works for three years. Initiation takes time. Initiation is more than doctrinal instruction. It is a way of coming to know the traditions, the people, the prayer, and the actions of the community.


Five Stages of the RCIA Process


  • Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate
    Participants are encouraged to ask questions, explore the basic tenets of the Catholic faith, and reflect upon these in light of their own life experiences.
  • The Catechumenate
    A deeper study of Scripture, doctrine, traditions, and meeting with the community takes place.
  • Purification & Enlightenment
    Reflect upon faith experiences more intensely and prayerfully; this takes place during the Lenten season 
  • Sacraments of Initiation
    Catechumens celebrate their initiation into the Church on the holiest of nights - Easter Vigil - where they are baptized, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist. Candidates celebrate their Rite of Reception.
  • Mystagogy
    This is a time for candidates to reflect upon their experiences of being new Catholic Christians and find their place in the ordinary life of the Church as Christian disciples.


Some Common Questions


Must I commit to Catholicism to participate in this program?


No! We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before they make such a commitment. We also realize that Catholicism is not for everyone. There is no firm commitment until the beginning of Lent.


I was baptized a Methodist, Baptist, etc.  Must I be re-baptized to join the Catholic Church?


No, there is only one Baptism. Candidates seeking full Communion within the Catholic Church will not be baptized again. They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. 


What if I start the RCIA process and then later feel unsure and might want to step away for a time or even leave the process altogether?


Feeling unsure at times is natural. After all, moving in the direction of joining a particular faith community is a significant step. It is always a good idea to speak with one of the catechists (teachers) in the process to understand the source of your doubt. If you remain uncertain and feel that now is not the right time to explore becoming Catholic, you are always free to leave the process. If you step away from the process and later decide you want to return, you will always be welcome and can begin where you left off. 


How long is the process for someone who is not baptized?


The length of time varies, depending on when an individual feels ready to move from the Inquiry Period to the next period, the Catechumenate. The Catechumenate includes deeper spiritual and faith formation, prayer and reflection, and involvement with the parish community. While there is no defined length of time for an unbaptized person who is considering initiation to be a catechumen, the period generally extends for at least one year. The final period of preparation for baptism coincides with the six weeks of Lent, which precedes the celebration of Easter. The rites of Initiation – the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist – are celebrated at the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter Sunday).


Is OCIA the same as RCIA?


Yes, The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) changed the name of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) in November 2021. The name change was due to a retranslation of the Latin name into English, and to better reflect the Catholic journey as a lifelong commitment. The new name emphasizes the continual development of candidates and catechumens in the faith formation process. It also reflects that an “order” is a collection of all the “rites” involved in the process. 


Contact the parish office for more information CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR OCIA FORM