Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
Welcoming new members into the faith
“At the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly ministry, he promised his followers that he would send them the gift of the Holy Spirit who would help them to live as he had taught them and to pass on his message to all the nations.”
(John 20:22, Acts 2)
What is OCIA?
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly known as RCIA) is a process for preparing and welcoming new members into the Catholic Church. It is a journey of faith involving both personal discovery of one’s relationship with God and a communal journey made with the priest, catechists, sponsors and the parish community.
All are welcome and free to journey as long as they wish or to leave at any time.
How does it work?
- Begins with a series of enquiry evenings.
- Moves into a period of formation through gospel sharing and introduction to Church teaching.
- Leads to reception in the Church
- It is followed by a time of reflection on ways of living out the commitment in daily life.
- The OCIA team will take you through the phases of the process to learn everything you need to know about the Catholic Faith and its traditions during your formation.
How long does it take?
It usually takes place over several months.
Begins from around the month of August or September every year.
Continues every week until the following Easter with reception into the Catholic Church.
Concludes six weeks later at the Feast of Pentecost.
Click here to download the
This form to be completed for the candidates joining the OCIA Program
What are the Sacraments of Initiation?
They are the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, received by non-baptised people as they become members of the Catholic Church. The baptism of most other Christian Churches is recognised by the Catholic Church. Those baptised persons coming into the Catholic Church are welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
Who is involved?
- The OCIA Team. This is a group of practicing Catholics who co-ordinate and have the roles of Catechists, sponsors and hospitality in the formation process.
- The Parish Priest. He is usually a member of the OCIA Team and is available for spiritual and personal advice if requested.
- The Sponsors. They are practicing Catholics who offer support and encouragement to those participating in the OCIA process.
- The Catechists. These are practicing Catholics who facilitate group meetings by sharing faith and directing group discussions.
I wish to Join the OCIA. Where do I begin and what to do?
Please download the OCIA form from the top right hand of this page and email it to the Parish Officeafter completion. Please make sure that you save the firm before filling out, especially on apple devices. A friendly staff or a priest will be in touch with you soon.
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16).
