Text reading 'Become Catholic' on a black background with a purple underline.

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.

Ready to begin your journey in the Catholic faith? You don’t have to wait! Reach out any time to start OCIA.

Seeking a home in the Catholic Church?

Get Connected
Ready to talk? Connect with a staff member
A priest in green robes pours water over a woman's head during a baptism ceremony, with onlookers watching in a room with large windows.
Clergy man in ceremonial robe performing a religious blessing on a line of women with heads bowed inside a church.

OCIA Fall Kickoff Events

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September 30 - What is Catholicism?

  • 7-8:00pm

    What exactly is Catholicism? Join us as we explore the story, beliefs, and practices of the Catholic Church and discover what makes Catholicism distinct. Bring your questions and come curious!

    Presenter: Deacon Omar Gutierrez

A priest in red robes shaking hands and smiling at a young man with white hair dressed formally in a black suit during a religious ceremony. Two teenagers watch the interaction, one girl with long brown hair wearing a floral dress and a young man in white robes standing in the background.

October 7 - How do Catholics Understand Salvation?

  • 7-8:00pm

    We’ll explore what Catholics believe about grace, faith, works, and the role of Jesus and His Church in our salvation. Come ask questions and dig deeper into what Catholics believe.

    Presenter: Father Dan Andrews.

People participating in a candle lighting ceremony, holding candles in a line with solemn expressions.

October 14 - Why Become Catholic?

  • 7-8:00pm

    Why would someone choose to become Catholic? We’ll explore the reasons people are drawn to the Catholic Church, what it means to enter into the life of the Church, and what the journey of becoming Catholic looks like. Come with your questions and see where the conversation leads.

    Presenter: Fr. Scott Schilmoeller

Let us know if you’re coming!

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.

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.

What are my next steps?

Schedule a conversation

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.

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.

Becoming Catholic: Special Topics

February 24: Confession

March 3: The Mass: Part I

March 10: The Mass- Part II

7-8:15pm in the Lower Level Classroom. No registration is required!

See the Full Events Calendar

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.