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 of Adults (OCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.” Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. The OCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the apostles. It was the early Church’s way of Christianizing the pagan Roman Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.
Who is the OCIA for?
- Adults in need of Baptism.
- Adults baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
- Adults baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and Confirmation. (Baptized Catholics who have received First Communion and only need the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact Trisha Brown at confirmation@saintphilipneri.org).
Interested in learning more?
Please complete the following Inquiry Form. After you submit this form, you will be contacted by an OCIA leaders to go over your information, give you more details about the program, and answer any questions you may have. This is also a time to get to know you better and to direct you appropriately in your next steps in becoming Catholic.
Please answer all questions that apply to you as accurately as possible. The questions that do not apply to you should be left blank or answered with “N/A.” If there is a question that you do not understand, or are not comfortable answering, you may skip it and discuss it with the OCIA leader that contacts you. We welcome you as you begin your journey into the Catholic faith. We are here to help you along your way. This questionnaire is a useful tool for learning about your situation so that we may guide you appropriately.
May God bless you as you begin your OCIA journey!