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Have you expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?
Were you Baptized Catholic as a child, but have not celebrated
the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist?

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The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (or OCIA) helps people who have expressed an interest, who are missing a sacrament such as Holy Communion or Confirmation, or who are a Christian and would like to learn more about the Catholic Church.

Through participation in OCIA, people journey together toward the Sacraments of Initiation, and by receiving these they become members of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.

We offer an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith. Sessions focus on the teachings and experience of Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season.

You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, your insights and your faith story in a warm, accepting setting. A schedule will be set once we meet and get everyone’s availability.

2023-2024 OCIA SESSION INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE (PDF)

For more information, please contact Fr. Ryan Brady at rbrady@archchicago.org or Deacon Al Adolfo at deaconal@stchristinaparish.org.

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What is O.C.I.A.?

O.C.I.A. (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church.

O.C.I.A. is for...

• Those who are not baptized.
• Those who are baptized in another Christian tradition and who seek to enter Full Communion with the Catholic Church.
• Baptized Catholics who never had the opportunity to receive Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Those who seek to join the Catholic Church become members of the Catechumenate: an ongoing process that meets people where they are on their faith journey and gently initiates them into the life of the parish and the Catholic Church.

Through participation in OCIA, people journey toward the Sacraments of Initiation and by receiving these they become members of the Catholic Church. After an initial period of some weeks (known as "Inquiry") and a personal interview, non-baptized persons can become "Catechumens" through a public Rite of Acceptance. Similarly, baptized Christians may become "Candidates" in the Rite of Welcome. Catechumens and Candidates journey together each week to understand what it means to believe in Jesus and live the Catholic Faith. The Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the great Easter Vigil Service for those who have discerned the call from God and are ready and able to make the commitment.

Catechumens and candidates experience the weekend Liturgies with a small community of sponsors and others on the journey. They study the Sunday readings together and also study a faith-sharing program. St. Christina Catechumenate process begins in September and ends when you are received into the Catholic Church on Holy Saturday / Easter Vigil in April, which is a community celebration.

OCIA Has Several Aspects

Spiritual - You will learn new ways of praying, and they look into themselves to discover what God is saying to them now.

Educational - Candidates learn what the Catholic Church believes about God, about Jesus, about the Bible, and about what the Church teaches.

Community - Candidates are encouraged to be part of the parish and to attend parish events and celebrations. Their sponsors are representatives of the parish community.