Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process for people who are interested in converting and joining the Catholic Church
Candidates are gradually introduced to Catholic beliefs and practices over the course of several months, through prayer, discernment, and fellowship.
Who is OCIA for?
If you are above 18 and are interested in entering the Catholic Church here at the Church of the Annunciation.
What happens in OCIA?
OCIA is a journey that proceeds over weeks and months.
The Journey
There are four periods that one goes through towards full communion with the Catholic Faith.
This process helps you make an informed commitment as well as to experience a sincere conversion.
1. Inquiry
During this time, you are introduced to the Catholic Faith to discern your true intentions. You are introduced to the Christian community as an Inquirer.
2. Catechesis
In this period, you are formed through catechesis and begin to participate in the liturgical life of the community and the Apostolic life of the Church as a Catechumen.
3. Purification and Enlightenment
Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, one Elects to become Catholic.
4. Mystagogy
The year of the Neophyte following one's full initiation into The Church after receiving Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes!
This is an opportunity for you to explore your faith.
It is also a chance to see your faith through the eyes of people exploring it for the first time.
Often, we don’t fully engage in our spiritual journey until much later in life. It’s not uncommon for us to realize as adults that we want to know more about our faith, and to wrestle with some of the more difficult questions we have.
At Annunciation, our formation includes introduction of the fundamental dogmas and moral teachings of The Church, Her holy liturgies, prayers, devotions and knowledge of the science of the saints.
Fill out this form and request OCIA but share that you would just like to come and learn
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You can still join us!
You would join OCIA as a Candidate and complete the Sacraments of Initiation: First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
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For Catholics who have already been baptized and received their First Eucharist, we offer an Adult Confirmation process, which may be a better fit for you than OCIA.
Depending on your circumstances, the preparation process—including who will accompany you and how long it may take—can vary. We’re here to help you!
Please fill out our request form so we can figure out your next steps.
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The OCIA – Adapted for Children process is for children over the age of seven (7) who are not baptized.
This is a spiritual and faith formation process of two years which will help your child grow in their understating of the Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
The OCIA process will prepare them to receive all three of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation.
Click here to learn more about OCIA – Adapted for Children.
Begin the Journey
If you are ready to take the next step, fill our request form form below
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