The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is an enriching and rewarding experience during which Catholics can witness to and share their faith with those seeking to understand Catholicism or who have decided to embrace the Catholic faith.  The OCIA team meets with individuals who want to explore Catholicism and what it means.  A different facet of the Catholic faith is presented each week by a different team leader.  The process culminates with the Easter Vigil Liturgy when the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist are received.

ARE YOU SOMEONE WHO…

• Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?
• Needs all Catholic Christian Sacraments - Baptism, Eucharist, & Confirmation?
• Was baptized as a Christian, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Eucharist & Confirmation? 

If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, please contact the parish office for more information about OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). We offer an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith. Sessions focus on the teachings and experience of Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season. There are separate sessions for children or youth. You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, your insights and your faith story in a warm accepting setting.
 

Want more information about the meaning of OCIA?  Visit the USCCB OCIA Resource Page for a complete description of what it means to be a Catechumen or Candidate.

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process by which a person, hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed and who freely seeks the living God, can come into full communion with the Catholic Church. 

It is an ancient practice of the church that the Second Vatican Council, seeing the need for a new evangelization of the modern world, decreed its restoration and revision. Through OCIA a person is initiated into the parish community, in the midst of the parish community and by the parish community.  It is not about one person or a team of people involved in OCIA -- it is about the whole Parish being involved in OCIA.  It is about evangelization.   

So what can you do?

• Offer to pray for someone in need.
• Talk about your church and your faith to those you meet.
• Invite someone who has not been to church in a while to come to Sunday Mass with you.
• Don't be afraid to ask, "Have you ever thought about becoming a Catholic?"
• Come to daily Mass on your saint's name day and invite a friend to morning Mass on their name day.
• Invite someone to come to confession with you.
• Learn more about the Catholic faith by reading and praying.
• Become a member of the OCIA team.

There are so many things that each one of us can do to help the Holy Spirit move a person closer to conversion. 

The fall is generally seen as the time of inquiry in to the Catholic faith.  If you know someone who is interested in becoming a Catholic Christian, you may contact:

• the parish office at (724) 265-2070
• Laura Smagala at (724) 713-1453,

• Father Jim at (412) 977-6589,