BECOME A CATHOLIC
The Order of Christian Initiation (OCI) is a process of spiritual and educational formation for those discerning a call to follow Christ in the Catholic Church.
WHO IS OCI FOR?
At Old St. Mary’s, we welcome adults who have never been baptized or are baptized in another Christian but wish to become Catholic, teens in grades 7-12 seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church, and children ages 7 and older who were baptized but have not received formal faith formation or the other Sacraments of Initiation.
Our 2026-2027 Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) cohort begins Sunday, September 13, after the 11:00 AM Mass. Interested adults should contact our OCIA Team Lead, Paula McQuade. Children and Teens should contact our Director of Lifelong Faith Formation, Elise Flick.
WHAT DOES OCIA INVOLVE?
Whether you’re curious about the Catholic faith, looking for a place to ask questions, or feeling drawn to take a next step, OCIA is a place to begin. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a welcoming journey for adults who are exploring Catholicism, seeking baptism, or considering becoming fully Catholic. Come with an open heart and a willingness to explore!
In practice, OCIA is a commitment: participants gather weekly for prayer, conversation, learning, and community. We’ll start with going to Mass together, will be dismissed after the homily, and then learn together for an hour.
The OCIA journey unfolds in four stages:
Period of Inquiry: A relaxed time to explore the basics of Catholic belief, share your questions, and get to know the parish community.
Catechumenate: A deeper period of formation in Scripture, Catholic teaching, prayer, and Christian life, alongside the support of sponsors and fellow participants.
Purification and Enlightenment: Usually taking place during Lent, this is an especially prayerful season of preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
Mystagogy: Following Easter, newly initiated Catholics continue reflecting on the sacraments they have received and growing in their life within the Church.
We would be honored to walk with you!
