The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (18+)

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.” So they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. He took them in at that hour of the night and bathed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized at once.

Acts of the Apostles 16:31-33

The Order of Christian Initiation...is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God's help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully. -Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, Introduction, §1


The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA, but formerly called RCIA) is that ritual action by which we joyously welcome new Catholics into the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. Throughout the process of OCIA, those interested in becoming practicing Catholics will learn how to pray; will learn the tenants of our faith and what we believe; will find, by the grace of God and by perseverence, that knowledge and love for God which will lead them to heaven. We encourage any and all people who are curious about the Catholic faith to come and see if God is calling them to a deeper relationship through OCIA. 

There are many different kinds of people from all walks of life who might come to us for OCIA. Click the tabs below to learn more about what the process may look like for men and women whose "points of entry" may be different. If you already know into which category you fall, feel free to scroll down to our Interest Form to get the process of joining started!

Anyone applying to the OCIA program who is interested in receiving any of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) should be free of any impediments, or should be ready to actively work on removing said impediment so that the Sacraments can be received. Impediments are obstacles that prevent a sacrament from being performed validly and/or licitly. These include any action or lifestyle that is contrary to the moral teachings of Christ and his Church. If you need clarification on impediments, or would like to begin the process of overcoming an impediment which you possess, please feel free to call the Coordinator of Parish Life, Sarah Matherne, at the office - 985.537.6002.

  • Unbaptized Adults (Catechumens)

    This category is for individuals who are entering the Christian life for the first time. Whether coming from a background of Atheism, a Non-Christian faith, or anything in between, we are glad to welcome these individuals into the Catholic Church. 

    If you fall into this category, please fill out the interest form below and we will contact you soon!

  • Baptized but Uncatechized Adults (Candidates)

    These individuals were baptized into the Catholic Church (or another Christian community), oftentimes as an infant, but who, for any reason, are not practicing Catholics/Christians or have not received First Communion or Confirmation.

    If you fall into this category, please fill out the interest form below and we will contact you soon!

  • Unconfirmed Adults (Candidates)

    These individuals were baptized into the Catholic Church and perhaps received some catechism growing up, but who never received their final Sacrament of Initiation: Confirmation. These are also usually individuals who have already received their First Communion.

    If you fall into this category, please fill out the interest form below and we will contact you soon!

Interest Form

If you are interested in joining our OCIA program, please fill out the form below and the Coordinator of Parish Life will get in touch with you soon. We have physical copies of the form in the office and at church if you prefer to fill it out in person.

The "points of entry" are different and, since each individual is on his/her own journey, the path each person takes will be tailored to fit that person’s needs. This is determined by the pastor in conjunction with the Coordinator of Parish Life and the OCIA team. Typically, the schedule is as follows:

  • For Catechumens & Uncatechized Adults:

    • Beginning in August | Rite of Acceptance on the First Sunday of Advent | Sacraments of Initiation received at the following Easter Vigil

  • For Candidates for Full Communion:

    • Beginning in August | First Communion/Confirmation received on the following Easter Vigil

Candidates and Catechumens will be allowed to begin in the Spring semester which starts in January understanding that they may have a longer span of time between beginning their path and actually receiving the Sacraments.


*If further catechesis is deemed necessary, these dates are subject to change. Catechumens & Candidates should be prepared for a journey, not a program built to "check boxes".