OCIA stands for “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.” The OCIA, a program of the Catholic Church, is oriented towards those who researching and inquiring about the Catholic way of life. While this program is oriented for adults, after speaking with our priest, we may accept teenagers who are mature enough to participate in the OCIA.
For adults today, the Church, after the Second Vatican Council, has restored the order of the Catechumenate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). It outlines the steps for the formation of catechumens, bringing their conversion to the faith to a greater maturity. It helps them respond more deeply to God’s gracious initiative in their lives and prepares them for union with the Church community. This process is meant to form them into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher.
Taken from the United States Catechism for Adults
For more information contact the parish office: 910-457-6173
The Purpose of the OCIA
- Those who are not associated with a community of faith and who wish to become Catholics
- Those who want to convert to Catholicism from another faith. For them, the OCIA is a process through which they will become full-fledged Catholics
- Those who want to learn about the Catholic faith. For example, these individuals may be involved in interfaith marriages or involved in a Church of different denominations, wanting to learn more about the Catholic faith in the spirit of ecumenism.
The OCIA fills all these needs of those who are searching and inquiring the Catholic faith.
Learn more about OCIA here USCCB Christian Initiation of Adults