Becoming Catholic

OCIA

‘The order of Christian Initiation of Adults’

Christian Initiation is a journey, but it is not a journey to a destination but to a person, the person of Jesus Christ. “Becoming Catholic” is a response to God’s invitation by answering the call to follow Jesus as his disciple. This is a process of conversion, communion and discipleship.

“Come, follow me.” — Matthew 4:19

ocia Come & see meetings

Christian Initiation is a journey, not simply a journey into the Catholic church, but to a person; the person of Jesus Christ. Participation in OCIA is a response to God’s invitation to follow Jesus as his disciple; a process of conversion, communion and discipleship. If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and how to enter into her sacramental life, join us at one of our OCIA “Come and See" meetings. There is no need to register and no commitment is suggested, just drop in to have your questions answered about the Catholic faith, the church, how to become Catholic through OCIA and this year’s schedule.

We will be meeting in classroom B1 (in the lower level of the Church) on:
Tuesday July 21st 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Thursday August 6th 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Sunday August 9th 1:00 - 2:00 pm

ocia sessions for candidates & catechumens begin August 2026.

candidate schedule

catechumen schedule

ocia process

The OCIA journey is intended for:

● Unbaptized adults who desire to enter the Catholic Church

● Adults baptized in other Christian denominations who now desire to live out their Christian life in full Communion with the Catholic Church

● Baptized Catholics who were not raised in the Catholic tradition and would now like to complete their Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation

● Practicing Catholics who did not receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
Each journey is unique, and no one can place a set time on how quickly one should grow in faith and knowledge. That said, the “typical” calendar for those not baptized (catechumens) begins in August and continues through Pentecost, with the sacraments received at the Easter Vigil.

Those already baptized Christin (candidates) have additional opportunities to come into Full Communion with the church at the Feast of Christ the King (weekday evening sessions held August-December) or Pentecost (weekday evening sessions held January-May)

If there is a need to validate a marriage prior to the reception of the sacraments, the time may be extended to accommodate the necessary documentation.
The Catholic church places a very high value on marriage. As a candidate or catechumen preparing to enter the sacramental life of the Church through OCIA, it is important that your marriage is valid prior to the reception of the sacraments. We are happy to assist you in identifying and completing any steps which may need to be taken to accomplish this.

If necessary, your OCIA journey may include either of the following. These brief videos will provide introductory information.

● For those divorced and remarried, a decree of nullity may need to be pursued. Click here for a video with more information

● For those who have a Catholic spouse, but were not married in a Catholic church, a convalidation may be necessary to bring their union into a sacramental marriage. Click here for a video with more information.

To begin the process of discerning the validity of your marriage, please contact our Marriage Coordinator, Heather Dent at: hdent@stpatchurch.org

what do I do now?

If you have read through this page your journey may have already begun! Please complete the form below to help us begin our conversation.

God bless you in your continued discernment!

OCIA Information & Interest Form