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OCIA

ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS

Prior to beginning the process of becoming a Christian, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, considers his or her relationship with Jesus Christ and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. For some, this process involves a long period of searching; for others, a shorter time. Often, contact with people of faith and a personal faith experience lead people to inquire about the Catholic Church. After a conversation with a priest or a parish director of Christian Initiation, the person, known as an "inquirer," may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, through the Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, the inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.

For more information on OCIA, click here.

Our list of 2025 OCIA candidates is OPEN. If you'd like to be added, please send an email to stgerard@diobr.org with a subject line of "OCIA Candidate". In the email, be sure to list your full name and an available cell phone number for us to contact you.