Order of Christian Initiation for Adults

What is the OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the way people are now initiated into the Christian way of life, specifically in the Roman Catholic tradition. The OCIA calls on those who wish become one with the Catholic community on a journey into the faith. The Church has given us a process which helps those entering the community to experience the fullness of the conversion process.

The OCIA provides an opportunity to explore the Catholic faith tradition in order to discern whether or not this is the place one can call home. While OCIA prepares one for full initiation into the Roman Catholic Church, the initiation is not an end in itself. The OCIA is a focused experience of the ever-deepening journey into the life of faith which is the task of a lifetime.

Who OCIA is For?

Adults who have never been baptized. These persons will be accepted into the Order of Catechumens.

Those persons who have been baptized in another Christian tradition. These candidates will be welcomed as sisters and brothers already with us in Christ.

Adult Catholics who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation. After Baptism these include Confirmation and Eucharist.

If you are interested in learning more about the OCIA program, or wish to help in any way, please call Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Office at (856) 767-2563