OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)

OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, is the Catholic Church's process for welcoming new members into the faith through a journey of conversion and formation. It's a period of learning, prayer, and reflection designed to help adults discern their calling to the Catholic Church and prepare for the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

OCIA welcomes those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church or other Christian faith traditions, and those who have never been baptized. Some Catholics may have received Baptism but not the sacraments of Eucharist (Communion) or Confirmation. Others may simply be friends or relatives who are interested and would like to find out more about the Catholic faith and to discern if God may be calling them to full communion.

Catholics belong to a Christ-centered faith community of which Jesus Christ is the foundation. We believe in the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. We develop our relationship with God by prayer, hearing and studying God’s word (Sacred Scripture), and participating in Mass and the sacraments. Catholics share Jesus’ vision and model their lives after Jesus’ example of love. Catholics are called to care for one another and to use their unique gifts and talents for the good of the community and the world. 

The Northern Lakes Catholic Communities host OCIA each year, with sessions meeting every two weeks from early September until Easter. The Easter Vigil Mass is where those who have completed this process will be baptized and/or confirmed and welcomed into full communion with the Church.



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