The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process through which persons inquire into and determine if they are called to live out their faith life as a member of the Roman Catholic Community.
Groups consist of people who are:
Note: Children who are entering 3rd-8th grade and are unbaptized or baptized in another Christian faith are also included in the OCIA process through a special OCIC program that is adapted for children. Because each child is different in their situation and needs, the process each child will follow is handled on a case-by-case basis.
How long does it take to become Catholic?
Fully becoming a Catholic Christian is a lifelong journey, of which the OCIA process is a short piece. The journey to full initiation into the Catholic Church usually takes at least nine months.
For those who have never been baptized, “the period of catechumenate, beginning at acceptance into the order of catechumens…should extend for at least one year of formation and instruction. Ordinarily this period should go from at least the Easter season of one year until the next.” (National Statutes for the Catechumenate 6). For this reason, catechumens should plan to begin their Period of Inquiry in the session following Easter.
The reason that the process takes a considerable amoutn of time is because becoming a Catholic is not something to be taken lightly. Though the knowledge gained through OCIA will be only a snapshot of the depth of the faith, the decision to enter into the Catholic Church must include a sufficient understanding of what Catholics believe. More importantly, each person must take the knowledge and use it to develop a deeper relationship with Christ, allowing him/her to joyfully commit to discipleship and a new way of life. While it seems long at the outset, most people find it to be time well spent and are sad to see it come to a close. Really!
So when can I start?
Those who are not baptized are brought into the Church through the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil each year. Since a full year of formation is required, it is best to start in the session beginning after Easter, though it is possible to begin in September and receive sacraments after eighteen months. Those who were baptized in another faith can be brought into the Church during Advent or at the Easter Vigil. The OCIA Coordinator will discuss your situation at your first individual meeting.
If you are divorced and remaried, there may be a need for an annulment of the previous marriage(s), even if neither spouse was Catholic. The annulment process can be lengthy and it is never guartaneed. Please talk with the OCIA Coordinator or a member of the clergy team about any divorce or remarriage as soon as possible. Initiation into the Catholic Church will be delayed unless annulment has been granted and the current marriage recognized.
All are welcome to attend OCIA
If you are unsure if you want to become Catholic, just curious about the faith, or a life-long Catholic, all are wlecome to attnend OCIA. You can attend the sessions for as long and as many times as you like without participating in the Rites leading up to the reception of sacraments. YOU decide when you are ready for the next step. We do not pressure you and we expect deep discernment. We meet you where you are and try to help on YOUR journey in YOUR time. The OCIA Inquiry Form can be found here, please complete and return it at your convenience.
If you are interested in learning more about OCIA, please call the office at 412.682.0929. We will talk with you about the process and answer all of your questions. You aren't committing to anything by contacting us for further discussion.