The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process of preparing adults for initiation into the Catholic Church. Those who participate will be guided by a team from the parish who will accompany you along your journey of faith. 
Those interested in becoming Catholic may call the parish office or speak with Sr. Lorraine or Fr. Tom.

The OCIA process has several distinct stages:

• Inquiry – an initial stage of discussing any questions or issues one may have who is exploring the Catholic faith.  No commitment is necessary in order to participate at this stage. The goal is to clarify for the Inquirer whether or not they wish to pursue becoming Catholic.  This stage may last for as long as is necessary for the Inquirer. Inquirers may be from other faiths and unbaptized, or baptized in another Christian denomination,  or baptized in the Catholic Church but uncatechized, seeking the other sacraments of initiation: Eucharist and Confirmation.
• Catechumenate – the stage of formation and instruction for those who decide to seek membership in the Catholic Church. It is a period of time to experience our Catholic way of prayer and life. It is a guided time that involves reflection on the Word of God, the Sacred Scriptures, and catechesis, learning about our faith and what Christ teaches us through the Catholic Church. This stage of the process is also flexible, depending on the needs of individuals.  Those who are not baptized will experience this stage for over one year at lease. 
• Purification and Enlightenment – this period begins on the first Sunday of Lent for those who will be ready to be received into the Catholic Church at the upcoming Easter Vigil. The Lenten season is experienced as a more intense period of spiritual formation and preparation for the Easter sacraments.
• Mystagogy – after the joyous celebration of reception into the Church at Easter comes a period of support to help the new Catholic acclimate to their experience of the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that they now participate in fully.