The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) - formerly known as RCIA - is the process of spiritual and educational formation through which adults become fully initiated members of the Roman Catholic Church.
how to become catholic
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish extends an invitation to anyone who desires to become Catholic and to provide baptized Christians with an opportunity to complete their Sacraments of Initiation through the OCIA program. Whether you've never been baptized, are a Christian from another tradition, or are Catholic but haven't completed your sacraments, OCIA provides a step-by-step journey of discovery, community, and faith.
WHAT IS OCIA?
OCIA is the process by which new members are brought or otherwise fully initiated into the life of the Church. It is a program of prayer, conversion, learning, and faith sharing. In addition to OCIA sessions, participants will be encouraged to engage in the various faith and service opportunities and life of the Parish.
who can join ocia?
The OCIA process begins with building community among those choosing this journey. No prior religious affiliation is needed. OCIA welcomes:
- the unbaptized
- Christians baptized in non-Catholic churches
- baptized Catholics who seek to complete their sacraments of initiation: Confirmation and/or Communion
Adults and high school students can participate in OCIA (children would participate in our religious education PREP program).
Questions? For more information, please contact our OCIA leads, Sharon Richards and Tina Payne, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If interested in the program please fill out the form below.
Testimonial:
"Growing up in the Evangelical Christian faith, I knew of the Catholic religion and spent a lot of my life being intimidated and almost scared of all of the procedures and "rules." I was nervous I'd do something wrong and offend someone, or be snubbed. As I grew up and had children of my own, my husband and I, decided to send our 3 children to Catholic school for a number of reasons. One reason being that the education incorporated faith in God, praying, and it kept traditional etiquette alive. Watching them learn, coming home to pray and reflect on their lessons, and as we attended Mass weekly, I began to realize that this faith was not in fact full of "rules and procedures," but instead rich with "guidance and purpose." Since my children and husband were all Catholic, and I now knew and appreciated the meaning behind all of the traditions in this religion, I decided to participate in O.C.I.A. after being asked so kindly by Deacon Ron. Every session was eye opening and educational. I still don't know all the prayers by heart, or when to kneel at Mass, but I am getting so much more out of life now. As an adult, a wife, 3 children, 2 dogs, health concerns and work it can be difficult to keep myself on track, but that is just what this religion has done for me - it keeps my faith on track, my life on the right path and my gratitude never-ending."
