For Adults Entering the Church
OCIA & Becoming Catholic
OCIA — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — is the process by which adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church. It is less a class than a journey, walked together with a parish community.
A note on the name: RCIA is now OCIA
In November 2021, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops officially adopted a new English title for this process: the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, replacing the long-familiar Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The change came from a more faithful translation of the original Latin title, Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum — "Ordo" is better rendered "Order" than "Rite," since it describes the whole ongoing process of formation, not a single ritual moment. Nothing about the sacraments themselves changed, only the English name — so don't be surprised if your parish, an older pamphlet, or a Catholic friend still calls it "RCIA." Both names point to the same journey into the Church.
Who is OCIA for?
- The unbaptized, of any age or background, who are drawn to the Catholic faith.
- Baptized Christians from another tradition who wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
- Baptized Catholics who, for whatever reason, never received Confirmation or First Communion as children.
Whatever the starting point, the process is personal and unhurried. There is no set curriculum to race through — it is paced around real growth in faith, prayer, and understanding, alongside sponsors and a parish community who walk it with you.
How to begin
The best first step is simple: contact a local Catholic parish and ask about their OCIA program. Along with the new name, the Church encouraged parishes to adopt a more flexible model of formation: many now welcome inquirers throughout the year rather than only in the fall, and candidates move through each stage at a pace suited to their own readiness rather than a single fixed schedule. The Easter Vigil remains the most common time to receive the sacraments of initiation, though it is no longer the only option everywhere.
The Journey, in Four Periods
Inquiry (Precatechumenate)
An unhurried season of asking honest questions, with no commitment required — simply getting to know the Church and letting her get to know you.
The Catechumenate
Formal preparation begins. Catechumens (the unbaptized) and candidates (already baptized) study Scripture and Church teaching together, supported by a sponsor.
Purification & Enlightenment
Typically during Lent, following the Rite of Election — where the bishop formally welcomes those preparing for the sacraments — this period is one of intense prayer and reflection before Easter.
Mystagogy
After receiving the sacraments, most often at the Easter Vigil, the newly initiated continue to reflect on the mysteries they have entered, deepening their life in the Church well beyond Easter.