Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Possible candidates for OCIA are adults who (1) have never been baptized, (2) were baptized Catholic as infants but need to complete their Sacraments, and (3) were baptized in other Christian traditions.

OCIA candidates are those individuals who need to make the sacrament of Confirmation. OCIA catechumens are those individuals who need to make all their sacraments (Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation).

We offer a mixed-format OCIA program that uses a combination of Catholic videos on Formed, as well as hard-copy reading materials from Liguori to provide a solid understanding of the Catholic faith. Individuals enrolled in the program will read and watch videos about the Catholic faith at a pace that is comfortable for them and meets their scheduling needs. OCIA students will also meet monthly with the CRE while they are enrolled in the OCIA program to answer questions, discuss concepts addressed in the lessons/videos, and ensure all program requirements are met. 

The hard-copy lessons are provided for $25, and the online videos can be accessed through the Formed website for $10 a month (no yearly subscription required). Classes run all year, so you can begin the process when you are ready. The self-paced program allows you to complete the program at a pace that is right for you.

OCIA meetings will meet virtually and in person between the 9:00 and 11:00 Masses at St. Louis, the first Sunday of the month.

After completing the program, OCIA catechumenate will receive their sacraments during the Easter Vigil Mass. OCIA candidates can receive their sacrament throughout the year during predetermined Confirmation Masses.

Registration Process:

1. Contact the CRE, Ashlee Campbell, to let her know you are interested in learning more about the OCIA program. Contact info: 443-744-0354 / religioused@stlouisrcchurch.org

2. You and the CRE will talk about the OCIA program materials and requirements. 

3. After talking to the CRE and watching a short video on the program materials, you will submit the registration form when you are ready to begin taking OCIA classes.

4. Once your registration form is received, the CRE will email you the program guide, and you will arrange a time to pick up the hard-copy lessons. 

5. There is a $25 cost to cover the RCIA hard-copy materials. Individuals enrolled in the program can submit this money when picking up the hard-copy materials.

OCIA Program Procedures:

1. Watch videos on Formed and read the hard-copy lessons

2. Attend monthly virtual/in-person OCIA meetings. There will be meetings to answer questions and talk about OCIA program requirements, such as "Finding a Sponsor."

3. If you have a sponsor already, you may want to meet regularly to talk about the information you are learning through the OCIA videos and hard-copy lessons. 

4. Submit Confirmation Name & Sponsor Form

5. Attend OCIA events during Lent

6. The CRE will email candidates/catechumen with program information and requirements throughout the year.

Please contact the Coordinator of Faith Formation, Ashlee Campbell, via phone or email with any questions or to begin the registration process (443-744-0354 / religioused@stlouisrcchurch.org).