The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is designed for adults who wish to enter the Catholic Church for the first time or adults who desire to complete their Sacraments of Initiation (First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation). It is also a great way to refresh and boost your faith — no matter how long you have been Catholic! You may also want to serve as a sponsor to one of our incoming Catholics. Why the change to OCIA? Previously known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved changing its name in 2021 to reflect a proper translation from Latin. “Order” also better encompasses the specific steps, or rites, within the initiation process.
At St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, OCIA begins each year with inquiry meetings in the fall. These meetings are devoted to answering questions about all things Catholic and the OCIA process itself. In the fall through the spring, we offer weekly sessions on Thursday nights to provide instruction about the Catholic faith. These sessions teach the essentials of the Catholic faith and its practice; help members find answers to their faith questions; and build community through prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship, and service. The weekly sessions are offered in English or in Spanish just let us know which language you prefer.
At the Easter Vigil Mass each year, those who have continued the process faithfully enter the Church and receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation) that they have not yet received. We hope you can join us this year and deepen your faith and knowledge of the Catholic Church.
If you are a baptized, practicing Catholic desiring to complete the Sacraments of Initiation (First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation) there are several alternatives to the Thursday sessions that can be discussed. Contact the Faith Formation Office for additional information.
If you have more questions about OCIA, view Questions & Answers about OCIA from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
CONTACT: faithformation@sta.org or Telephone: 770-475-4508
Have you wondered what it would be like to sponsor an adult who wants to become a Catholic?