Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
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"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you." - John 14:26
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Curious About the Catholic Faith?
Maybe you’ve been wondering what Catholics believe. Perhaps you’ve attended Mass with a family member or friend, have questions about faith, or simply feel that God may be leading you to explore something new.
You don’t have to know where the journey will lead to take the first step.
St. Augustine’s Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) offers a welcoming place to learn about the Catholic faith, ask questions, and discover what it means to be part of the Catholic Church.
Come With Your Questions
You do not have to decide that you want to become Catholic before participating in OCIA. Exploring the faith is not the same as making a commitment to join the Church.
OCIA begins with an opportunity to listen, learn, and ask questions. Whether you know a little about Catholicism or almost nothing at all, you are welcome.
Together, we explore questions such as:
- Who is Jesus, and what do Catholics believe about Him?
- What happens at Mass?
- Why are the Bible, prayer, and the Sacraments important to Catholics?
- What do Catholics believe about Mary and the saints?
- What does it mean to live as a Catholic?
- How do I know whether becoming Catholic is right for me?
Through conversation, study, prayer, reflection, and time with members of the St. Augustine community, you’ll have an opportunity to explore these questions at your own pace.
There is room for questions, uncertainty, and discernment along the way.
Who Is OCIA For?
OCIA welcomes adults who:
- have never been baptized or raised in a particular faith tradition;
- come from another Christian or religious tradition and are interested in learning about Catholicism;
- are considering becoming Catholic but aren’t sure yet;
- simply want to understand the Catholic faith better; or
- were baptized Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist.
Wherever you are starting from, you are welcome to begin the conversation.
What Happens If I Decide I Want to Become Catholic?
For those who eventually discern that they would like to become Catholic, OCIA provides the pathway toward becoming a fully initiated member of the Roman Catholic Church.
But that decision comes through prayer, learning, reflection, and discernment. You are not expected to make it before you begin.
Your first step can simply be curiosity.
Begin the Conversation
OCIA sessions begin Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Augustine Parish Gingras CenterInterested in learning more? Sign up here and join us.
There’s no need to have all the answers. Just bring your questions.
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Our MissionThe Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or OCIA is a ministry dedicated to the faith formation and full initiation of adults from other faith traditions or with no religious background at all, into the Roman Catholic faith.
In addition, adult Catholics who have not yet received all of their sacraments of initiation may also attend the sessions offered by the OCIA to receive the appropriate sacraments and complete their initiation.
What We Do
Are you curious about the Catholic faith? Have you considered becoming a Roman Catholic, but just did not know how? Do you know someone who would like to explore the Catholic traditions? Consider joining St. Augustine’s Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
We welcome adults with no religious background or those coming from other faith traditions, and baptized Catholics seeking to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist. We invite you to participate in this transformative spiritual journey towards a rich and fulfilling life in Christ.
We also recruit sponsors, who are responsible for introducing seekers (inquirers) to the parish faith community. If you are a baptized Catholic who has received all your Sacraments of Initiation and are practicing your Catholic faith, consider serving as a sponsor to those who are interested in the Catholic Church.
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When We MeetOCIA meets on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., from September to April.
Virtual and in-person inquiry sessions will begin in September.
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Contact Us
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