Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (18+)

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.” So they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. He took them in at that hour of the night and bathed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized at once.

Acts of the Apostles 16:31-33

The Order of Christian Initiation…is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully. -Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, Introduction, §1

If you are interested in joining our Christian Initiation program, please fill out the form below and the Coordinator of Parish Life will get in touch with you soon. Since each individual is on his/her own journey, the path each person takes will be tailored to fit that person’s needs. This is determined by the pastor in conjunction with the Coordinator of Parish Life and the OCIA team. Typically, the progression is as follows:

• Classes begin in late August/early September
• Catechumens (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized) attend weekly classes together in a small group setting
• Catechumens participate in the Rite of Acceptance in the fall and the Rite of Election in the spring
• Catechumens and Candidates attend a day-long retreat in the spring
• Candidates who a ready to receive Holy Communion for the first time will have to receive Reconciliation first
• Catechumens receive Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil Mass if they are ready
• Classes end in May
• Candidates confirm on Pentecost if they are ready

*If further catechesis is deemed necessary, this schedule is subject to change. Catechumens & Candidates should be prepared for a journey, not a program built to “check boxes”.

Anyone applying to the program who is interested in receiving any of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) should be free of any obstacles that prevent a sacrament from being performed validly. These include any action or lifestyle that is contrary to the moral teachings of Christ and his Church. If you need clarification on impediments, or would like to begin the process of overcoming an impediment which you do possess, please call the Coordinator of Parish Life, Sarah Matherne, at the office – 985-537-6002.

Christian Initiation of Adults Interest Form

Name(Required)

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Date of Birth(Required)

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Age(Required)

Gender(Required)

Male

Female

Father's Name(Required)

Mother's Maiden Name(Required)

Church & Date of Baptism

Church & Date of First Communion

Spouse's Name

Wedding Date

Were you married in the Catholic Church? (or had your marriage blessed in the Church later)

If yes, in which church did your wedding take place?

If you were not married in the Catholic Church, where were you married and who was the officiant? (Please be specific about location and person.)

Which sacrament(s) are you interested in receiving? (check all that apply)(Required)

Baptism

Reconciliation

First Communion

Confirmation

None – I just want to learn more!

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Entering your name here agrees that this information is accurate to the best of your knowledge.