Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
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Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic and joining our faith community?
Or, are you Catholic and desire to receive the sacraments of the most Holy Eucharist and Confirmation?
Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands are baptized into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) formerly called "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
OCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
OCIA is designed for adults who are considering joining the Catholic Church through celebrating the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. The process welcomes those 18 years and older who have never been baptized and/or those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition.
We welcome all Seekers (living in the area and desiring to make the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels their home parish) to join us for OCIA starting this Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 11:30am for our first information session taking place at the Cathedral Conference Center. Please note: 2024/2025 Session is Full. Registration will reopen June 2025.
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OCIA is a Journey
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What is OCIA?
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), formerly called "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)," is the process through which one becomes a full member of the Roman Catholic Church. Full membership in the Catholic Church involves a whole formation process, which includes the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Most Holy Eucharist. While coming to know Jesus and His invitation to become a disciple, the OCIA process involves the journey of faith development and conversion. A person is introduced to the beliefs, life, liturgy, and apostolic work of the Catholic Church.Who is OCIA for?
This journey is for adults (college age and above) who may be:- Unbaptized Adults
- Baptized Christians of another faith tradition
- Baptized Catholic Christians who are seeking to receive the Sacraments of the Most Holy Eucharist and Confirmation
When does Inititation and Reception into the Catholic Church take place?
Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands are baptized and are fully received into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).Where do I begin?
INQUIRY is the first phase of the OCIA journey. The INQUIRY phase is designed to help you:- Explore the Catholic Christian faith
- Discern the call and readiness to follow Jesus in His Church
- Prepare for the second phase of the OCIA journey (Catechumenate) to encounter Jesus more intimately in the Gospels and experience the transformative power of Christ’s love in the sacraments
How do I register?
OCIA sessions will be held on most Sunday mornings, starting in September. See attached schedule. (more details and information will be provided on September 8)
PLEASE NOTE: OCIA has various distinct phases. INQUIRY is Phase I and begins in September and ends in December 2024. Topics covered during this time are very important before moving on to Phase II of OCIA (Catechumenate Phase).
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Registration
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Please note: 2024/2025 Session is Full. Registration will reopen June 2025.
Registrations must be received by October 13, 2024, to be considered and discerned for full initiation at the 2025 Easter Vigil.
Any registrations received after October 13, 2024, will be on a waitlist to start in September of 2025 for the 2026 Easter Vigil.
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Register Online
Online registration for 2024/25 is now full.
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Register In-Person
Registration for 2024/25 is now full.
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If you have any questions about the OCIA program or require assistance in completing the form, please email us at [email protected] or call (213) 680-5209
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