O.C.I.A.

The O.C.I.A.—The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults— is the usual way in which adults become full members of the Catholic Church.

The goal of the process is full communion – which means conscious and active participation in the Eucharist and in the life of the Catholic faith community.

How someone comes to consider joining the Catholic Church is unique to each individual. Years of marriage to a Catholic spouse, and conversations with a Catholic friend, in-law, or coworker can move an adult toward the Catholic Church.

The O.C.I.A. is adapted to meet the needs of women, men, and school-aged children who are:

not baptized,

baptized in the Roman Catholic Church but not evangelized, catechized, or completely initiated,

baptized in another Christian church, but in need of further instruction and initiation.

This process which has four distinct stages usually takes at least a year – sometimes longer; there is no pressure of a timeline or a commitment. Participants move to the next stage through a special Church ceremony called a rite. Participants meet weekly as a group with the O.C.I.A. Team to pray, to listen to God s Word, and explore the Catholic faith. Those whose faith journey leads them to become Catholic receive the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.

The O.C.I.A. helps participants:

to grow in their relationship with God,

to become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices,

to get acquainted with the parishioners,

to get involved in the parish

If YOU or SOMEONE YOU KNOW has an interest in our Catholic faith… satisfy that interest! Take the first step and inquire about the O.C.I.A.! Call either Gwen Coté, Pastoral Associate at 941-347-7438 or Rita Sheridan, Director of Religious Education at 941-639-9545. We will meet with you individually to explain the program and answer your questions.