Are you looking to join the
Catholic Church?
Do you want to receive the Sacraments of Initiation?
(Either Baptism, Holy Communion or Confirmation)
Are a baptized Christian from another denomination wishing to
join the Catholic Church?
Are you a baptized Catholic seeking to complete your sacraments
like Confirmation?
You are in the right place!
If you fit any of these descriptions, OCIA might be a good place for you to start
What is the process to enter into the Church at St. Patrick's?
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) at St. Patrick’s is a welcoming journey for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or preparing to receive the sacraments.
We meet weekly on Mondays from 7pm - 8:30pm beginning in September and running through April.
Through weekly gatherings, participants explore Scripture, Church teachings, and the meaning of living a life rooted in Christ. The process includes prayer, community support, and opportunities for open discussion in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you are new to the faith, returning after time away, or seeking to complete your sacraments, you are invited to walk this meaningful path with us.
Want to know more about what OCIA is?
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is a journey in which you experience support, discovery, and fellowship. It is for any adult who is looking to start or deepen their faith journey by preparing to receive any of the Sacraments of Initiation or for anyone who is looking to learn more about their Catholic faith and grow deeper in it.
The OCIA process has several distinct stages. These Catholic OCIA stages are a good model of faith development itself and can be used for anyone who wants to pursue a deeper faith life and continue to grow as a Catholic Christian. We will be covering a whole range of topics focusing on Scripture and the Sacraments with a specifically Catholic lense. At the same time, we will be following the four formal stages of the traditional OCIA model. These stages are as follows:
Inquiry
The initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You’re asking questions and checking it out but aren’t yet ready to commit.
Catechumenate
Those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you’re developing your faith and are being “catechized” – learning catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.
Purification and Preparation
The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare you to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. If you’re following the OCIA process, you’ll go through a beautiful series of Gospel-based meditations during Lent, which is the time frame of this period.
Mystagogy
After reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.