Are you interested in becoming Catholic?
Are you an adult Catholic wishing to receive First Communion and Confirmation?
This process has been renamed from RCIA to OCIA
So, What Exactly is the OCIA Process?
OCIA stands for the Order Of Christian Initiation For Adults. The process, begun during Vatican Council II in the early 1970’s, calls upon the local communities to form the men and women who are called by God to join the Catholic Faith.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
At St. Katharine Drexel Mission, the process begins in early October. Here, all are invited to learn more about the Catholic Faith, as different topics are discussed on a weekly basis. The attendees include those who are of a different Christian faith communities, and those who are not baptized. At the end of the Inquiry process, the attendees are asked whether they hear the call to join the Catholic Community.
The process of Christian Initiation ultimately leads to mission. Becoming a Christian means choosing to share in the mission of Jesus. Jesus’ mission was to proclaim the reign of God. He came among us to transform the world into kingdom of truth, grace, holiness, love, justice and peace. When we are Baptized into Jesus Christ, we inherit the mission that Jesus entrusted to his Church.
When do we meet: Tuesdays from 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Where do we meet: the Mission office (4100 Mill Creek Road, Haymarket, VA 20169)
When do we start: Early October, 2025
The question is, what is OCIA?
OCIA = Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
OCIA is a journey of faith adults follow to become a member of Catholic Church. Through this journey the participants strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said to his disciples, “Come and see.” John:1:39
Jesus does not want us to follow Him blindly, but He wants us to make a choice freely and with all the information we need to decide.
Who would like to join the OCIA?
Anyone who wants to grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
It is for three categories of people:
1.) Adults who have never been Baptized, who now desire to become Catholic.
2.) Adults who have been baptized in other Christian denominations but who now wish to become Catholic.
3.) Baptized Catholics who never received their First Communion and Confirmation and now want to complete their Sacraments of Initiation
Additionally, Catholics wishing to renew their faith and adults married or engaged to non-Catholics might be interested in this journey of faith.
The goal of OCIA is spiritual conversion centered on Jesus Christ and the Church He founded.
Part of your OCIA journey, you will need support of godparents/sponsors.
To understand the role of godparents/sponsors, click HERE.
If you have any questions or interest in OCIA call the office at 703-754-8444 OR email: office@saint-stephen.org
