OCIA Explained
OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a process by which individuals, non-baptized or baptized in another Christian community, become Roman Catholics.
The process begins when you contact the OCIA Coordinator at St. Joseph parish. We have a conversation with you about your faith journey and how the OCIA process works.
You will be paired with a mentor who will journey with you along the path to becoming Catholic.
Adults are welcome to begin the process anytime. Baptisms of adults are celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass the evening before Easter Sunday. Adequate time for instruction and discernment are necessary before Baptism.
Adults validly baptized in other Christian communities, after a period of instruction and discernment, make a Profession of Faith and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion at a regularly-scheduled Mass when they are ready.
Youth OCIA is for youth ages 7 and above who:
- Have not been baptized, or
- Have been baptized Catholic but need to “catch up” with their peers on their sacraments, or
- Have been baptized in another Christian community, but need to make a Profession of Faith and “catch up” with their peers on their sacraments.
Registration for Youth OCIA is held in the summer and weekly classes begin in September and run until April.
For more information, please contact Flor Argueta, Youth OCIA Coordinator, by email at fargueta@sjparish.org or call the parish office at 501-513-6812
Location
1115 College Avenue
Conway, AR 72032