We are here to walk on this journey with you!  The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the fancy name for the process of inquiry and learning that takes place on the road to joining the Church. We know this is a personal journey and we are so honored to have the opportunity to walk with you.

Depending on your faith background, the length and pace of your journey to become Catholic may differ from others. Rites and sacraments take place when both the individuals and the parish are ready. Prayerful discernment is always a part of each person’s journey.

Do you want to start the conversation?

Seeking a home in the Catholic Church?

How do adults join the Catholic Church?

UNBAPTIZED PERSONS

Those who have never been baptized will follow the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS

Those who have been baptized and raised in another Christian faith community and desire to follow Jesus in the full communion of the Catholic Church will receive appropriate instruction and make a public profession of faith.

BAPTIZED CATHOLICS

Baptized adult Catholics who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation will follow an individual path.

What are my next steps?

HAVE A CONVERSATION

The first step is to schedule a conversation with Katie, the director of Campus Ministry. We’d love to hear about your faith story and talk about the best next step for you.

FORMATION

During the period of inquiry and formation, you will be paired with a student leader to accompany you as you learn more about the Catholic faith. These one-on-one or small group meetings will be scheduled at an agreed upon time, usually about once a week.

You can also:

  • Join a small group Bible study

  • Participate in retreats or other faith-centered activities

  • Dive in to community life at Newman!

RITES & SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATIONS

In discernment with those offering you formation, you will determine the sacraments needed to be in full communion with the Catholic Church, and the best time for receiving those sacraments.

Here at JPII Newman, the majority of catechumens receive sacraments during the Easter Vigil Mass, however depending on the individual’s path and readiness, we can offer them to some at other times of the year.

OCIA Kickoff Events

September 22 - What is Catholicism?

  • 7-8pm

    Includes snacks, a talk, and Q&A.

    Deacon Omar Gutierrez presenting.

September 29 - Where is Catholicism in the Bible?

  • 7-8pm

    Includes snacks, a talk, and Q&A.

    Father Dan Andrews presenting.

October 6 - Why Become Catholic?

  • 7-8pm

    Includes snacks, a talk, and Q&A.

    TBA presenting.

Let us know if you’re coming!

A group of people attending a baptism ceremony, some holding candles, with a priest in ceremonial attire pouring water.
Catholic confirmation ceremony with participants in white robes receiving blessings from a priest in a church setting.
A priest in white and red vestments distributes communion to kneeling congregants inside a church.

FAQs

  • The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the journey unbaptized adults travel to become Catholic and fully initiated into the Church. It is more than just learning the history, rules, and regulations. It’s about building a relationship with God and the worshipping community. To learn more about OCIA, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

  • Adults who have already been validly baptized in another Christian faith tradition follow a path customized as much as possible to their unique needs and previous faith journey. It’s likely that the length and pace of your faith journey may differ from others. Rites and sacraments take place when both the individual and the parish are ready. Prayerful discernment is always a part of each person’s journey.

  • Baptized Catholic adults seeking to be confirmed follow a path customized as much a possible to their unique needs and previous faith journey. It’s likely that the length and pace of your faith journey may differ from others. The sacrament is celebrated when both the individual and the parish are ready and with the permission of the Bishop. Prayerful discernment is always a part of each person’s journey.