Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

OCIA is a program designed for individuals who want to become Catholic who: (1) have never been baptized, or (2) were baptized Catholic as infants but need to complete their Sacraments, or (3) were baptized in other Christian traditions.

Individuals in OCIA are either Catechumen or Candidates. Catechumen are individuals who have never been baptized into a Christian religion. Through the OCIA program, catechumen will learn about the Catholic religion and receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Candidates are individuals who were baptized Catholic/Christian but need to complete their Catholic sacraments. Candidates may or may not have received First Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist and they may or may not have received Catholic catechesis. The CRE will discuss the OCIA process with candidates when first inquiring about the program to determine a program timeline that is right for them. 

Program Format:

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.

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, 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 OCIA hard-copy materials. 

OCIA Program Procedures (See attachment for a full list of procedures with dates):

1. Watch videos on Formed and read the hard-copy lessons at home, at a pace that is right for you. 

2. OCIA virtual and in-person meetings will be held monthly. Attendance at all meetings is not required, but individuals are asked to attend a few meetings throughout the year. 

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, as well as your sponsor's reference letter from their church. 

5. Attend OCIA events during Lent (see attachment for list of events, dates, and times)

6. At the conclusion of the program (no later than 2 weeks before you make your sacraments at the Vigil or Pentecost), you will submit a 2-page paper reflecting what you have learned throughout the OCIA process. 

7. After completing the OCIA program, individuals will either make their sacraments during the Easter Vigil Mass (March 27, 2027) or their Confirmation at Pentecost (May 16, 2027). 

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).