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Adult Baptism - OCIA
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BECOMING CATHOLIC — OCIA
(Formerly RCIA) ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process for adults who desire to join the Catholic faith and for those seeking more information on the Catholic Church. OCIA can also be a method for Catholics to complete their reception of the initiation sacraments.
The OCIA welcomes:
- Adults who have never been baptized
- Adults who were baptized in another Christian tradition
- Baptized Catholics who want to deepen their understanding of their faith
W
elcome! We are glad you are interested in learning more about being a Catholic Christian. The Catholic Church has a special process called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) to assist adults who are unbaptized or who are baptized in another Christian denomination to discover more about the Catholic Church.You have questions - don't you?
Some of the most frequently asked questions are listed below; let's start with them.
We also have links to additional information, resources, and inquiry forms. We have provided contact information below, so you can reach us if you have more questions or would like to set up a time to meet and discuss any questions you may have.
We currently provide a single, combined program for the OCIA Program (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) and Adult Confirmation Preparation.
For 2024-2025, the combined program in English starts on August 20 and runs through May. The program will be offered on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in Room 219 and will be taught by Fr. Mario Arroyo.
If you are ready to get started you can download the Welcome Letter and the Sacramental Information Form. Read through the information and fill out the Sacramental Information Form.
Once the Form is filled out our pastor, Fr. Christopher Shackelford, would like to meet with you and we can schedule your appointment. We look forward to having you join us.
If you have questions you can contact:John P. Wincelowicz Jr.
713-554-1559
Coordinator of Adult Formation, English
We are frequently away from our desks and phones, so please leave a voice message if we miss your call so we can get back to you.
Frequently Asked Questions about. . .- Baptism for Adults
- Full Communion with the Church
- Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA - formally RCIA)
Click on a Question below to get to your answer
How can I get baptized?
The Catholic Church has a special process called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, for short) for adults who wish to be baptized. This process is designed to welcome and prepare people to celebrate baptism through a series of gatherings, rituals, classes and small groups. The purpose is to foster a relationship with God and with the community, to encourage a spirit of faith and charity, to teach or review the basics of the Catholic faith, to prepare for the sacraments, and to help the person feel “at home” in the Catholic Church.If I have been baptized in another Christian Church, will I be baptized again?
We normally recognize as valid any baptism performed by pouring or immersion with water and the words “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This would include the baptism of most mainline Christian Churches. In this case, a person would not be baptized again.What is meant when people refer to men and women coming into “full communion with the Catholic Church”?
When men and women who are baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics wish to become Catholics, they are coming into “full communion with the Catholic Church” through a process similar to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). These people make a profession of faith but are not baptized again.How long does it take?
The time required may vary-- depending upon the background and circumstances of the individual.
Start by filling out an Inquiry Form. Our Coordinator for Adult Sacraments will contact you.
Click here to fill out the Inquiry Form and we will contact you.What is a sponsor? How do I find one?
A sponsor is a baptized, confirmed adult Catholic, one who regularly participates in Mass and lives a moral life who serves as a mentor and guide to the candidate during the OCIA process. Normally the sponsor is a member of the parish or lives close by so that they can participate in classes and rituals with the candidate. If the candidate does not know of anyone to be a sponsor, then the team will find someone to serve in this role.