Order of Christian Initiation stages for adults

What to expect in OCIA


Becoming a Catholic today means joining an ancient faith, deeply rooted in the teachings and traditions of Christ. Our faith is filled with hope and vibrancy as we spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all the ends of the earth.


OCIA helps adults grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic worship, teaching and practices, get acquainted with people in the parish, and get involved in service.


For more information,

email Susan Harris, 

sharris@st-ann.org. 


OCI homepage

  • OCIA

    Order of Christian Initiation for Adults: the process for adults who desire to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.

  • Catechumen

    A person who has not been baptized.

  • Candidate

    A person who has been baptized into another Christian faith community. The term also refers to baptized Catholics who have not been fully initiated by receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. 

  • OCIA team

    A group of committed Catholics who meet with inquirers on a regular basis. They serve as facilitators and have some responsibility for teaching during the catechumenate period. They serve as ministers of hospitality and help to deepen the inquirers’ connection with the parish

  • Sponsor

    Someone who accompanies the candidate or catechumen on his/her faith journey and celebration of the sacraments.

  • 1. Inquiry

    During this time, inquirers meet with members of the OCIA team to discuss their faith journey and its connection with the Gospel. Meetings are every Sunday morning. 


    The period of inquiry is a time for: 

    • Reading and discussing the Sunday Gospel 
    • Asking questions about the Catholic faith 
    • Building community within the group 
    • Developing a trusting atmosphere 
    • Examining God’s presence in our lives, past and present 
    • Learning about prayer 
    • Fostering conversion 

  • 2. Catechumenate

    During this stage, participants become familiar with the teachings of the Church and Catholic tradition and practices. It is a time for the growth of the catechumens and candidates’ faith and their conversion to God. Catechumenates and candidates continue to build community and learn about the basic teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. 

  • 3. Purification and enlightenment

    At this stage, during Lent, there is a greater emphasis on prayer and reflection in preparation for receiving Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. 

  • 4. Mystagogia

    This period lasts from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. Mystagogia means leading into the mystery and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful. 

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