Becoming Catholic

St. Philip Neri Church is committed to the presentation of the doctrine of our faith, in a welcoming and understandable manner, to members of our community who have made the decision to seek this step in their personal faith journey. We invite you to join with us as we strive to live the mission of Jesus Christ through prayer, service, outreach, fellowship and a true sense of family as we minister to our community.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly knows as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is the process used by the Catholic Church to present the beliefs of this faith to those adults (age 18 and older) who have made a conscious decision to explore coming into full communion with the Church. Programs for teenagers (OCIT: Order of Christian Initiation for Teens) and children (OCIC: Order of Christian Initiation for Children) are also available. Spiritual formation and education about our Catholic faith takes place during these rites, which enables individuals to become fully incorporated into the Body of Christ, the Catholic Church.

What is OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) is a gradual process of conversion and initiation into the Catholic Christian community providing individuals the space to encounter God and respond to His invitation to a new way of life in the Catholic faith. Grounded in a respect for the personal faith journey of each individual, the OCIA provides and extended period of prayer, study and fellowship in which each individual has the opportunity to grow in relationship with God and the parish community.

Who is the OCIA for?

Persons who have never been baptized and wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion) in the Catholic Church
Persons who were baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eicharist.
Baptized Catholics who have not completed their initiation; by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist

Adults: Individuals over the age of 18 who are seeking any Sacraments of Initiation should inquire about the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program by contacting Andrea Cordle at rcia.andrea@gmail.com or by calling the Parish Office at 803-548-7282.

Teens: Teens seeking any of the Sacraments of Initiation should inquire about the Order of Christian Initiation for Teens (OCIT) program by contacting Mary Caddell at middleschool@saintphilipneri.org or 803-548-7282 Ext 222.

OCIA and OCIT classes begin in September and are held every other Thursday until the Easter Vigil when those joining the Catholic Church will be received through the sacraments of Initiation.