Adults (OCIA)
Order of Christian Initiation of
Who is the "Order of Christian Initiation of Adults" (OCIA) fOR?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is for adults – age 13 and above – who are interested in becoming full members of the Catholic Church and are:
Unbaptized Adults: The process is to help them grow in awareness of God’s call to conversion and understand how to respond to that call. These adults are considered Catechumens who gradually uncover through the OCIA process, God’s plan of salvation for all – the Paschal Mystery (Jesus’s Suffering/Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension) and the workings of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the beliefs, Sacramental life, and Spiritual Practices of the Catholic Church. The process culminates with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion) at Easter Vigil. Catechumens are not required to visit the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter Vigil since all sins are forgiven at Baptism. (Confession, Penance, and Reconciliation refer to one and same Sacrament).
Baptized in another Christian Church: It is also for those catechized and baptized in other Christian traditions who seek to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion (Eucharist). These are considered Candidates. They are not re-baptized but are received in Full Communion at Easter Vigil. Because the Eucharist signifies full structural and doctrinal unity (the source and summit of the Christian life), a baptized non-Catholic cannot simply receive Communion without first making a profession of faith and being received into the Catholic Church. Already baptized, these candidates will be prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.
Baptized but uncatechized Catholic Adults: These are Catholics who were baptized as infants and not received any religious instruction within the Catholic Tradition. They will be Confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time in their lives (First Communion). Some may have received First Communion instruction, received First Communion (Eucharist) but stopped practicing the Faith. These are also considered Candidates. Already baptized, these candidates will be prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.
Anyone becoming Catholic needs sponsors and community support to help them grow in the faith.
Sponsors must be at least 16 years old. They should be fully initiated Catholics in good standing meaning that they have received Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. They are living their Christian vocation as a single person in chastity or they are validly married in the Catholic Church. (See a full list of Godparent requirements here.)
Barriers: The following situations may prevent or delay the celebration of the Sacraments. Please take care to resolve them before you can receive the Sacraments at Easter Vigil:
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Living together but not married in the Church,
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Married outside the Church, or
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Married outside the Church and in need of an annulment.
You may still participate in the preparation process as you work on resolving any of the above situation.
OCIA Program details
Classes begin Sunday, October 4th, 2026 at 9:15 AM
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Classes will be almost every Sunday.
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Duration: 1 hour
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Location: Parish Office
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Additionally, to the weekly instructional meetings, there will be liturgical rites during the year and a rehearsal the morning of Easter Vigil.
Registrations Are Now Open!
Registration Fee:
$80 for students who attend the St. Pius X School
$120 for parishioners (must be a registered parishioner for at least 6 months),
$150 non-parishioners.
*Please contact Sr. Angelicah at anjuguna@stpius.org if you have challenges with the class fee.*
PS: Once we receive your registration form we will invite you for a one-on-one initial conversation.
Reception of the Sacraments of Initiation
Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday, March 2027 at 8:30 PM
Questions? ¿preguntas?
Please email sacraments@stpius.org.
Si tiene preguntas, envie un correo electrónico a sacraments@stpius.org.