The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process by which non-Catholics and Catholics receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation). It is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith as a member of the Mystical Body of Christ; The Catholic Church.

The goals of the OCIA are:

• To reveal God's love and to encourage and nurture a free response of love

• To strengthen faith through knowledge of God's Divine Revelation and the fullness of truth that is present in the Catholic Church

• To give them access to the grace of the sacraments to fuel their lifelong relationship with God and their personal growth in virtue and holiness

OCIA is a journey of faith that takes place in stages that allow for the work of grace and the free will of the individual to work together to bring them into greater union with God and His Church. These stages are:

• Evangelization Pre-Catechumenate - This is the beginning stage of the OCIA journey. It is a time of inquiry and conversation for those interested in learning about the Catholic faith. Ask questions, explore what the Church teaches, and discern your next steps in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.

• Catechumenate – A time of deeper formation into the Catholic faith. Through prayer, study, reflection and participation in parish life, participants grow in their relationship with Christ and prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation. This stage encourages ongoing conversion and a fuller understanding of what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus.

• Purification and Enlightenment- This period takes place during Lent and is a time of more intense prayer, reflection and spiritual preparation. As participants draw closer to receiving the sacraments, the focus shifts from learning about the faith to deepening their relationship with Christ and preparing their hearts to fully embrace the Christian life.

• Mystagogy- Newly initiated Catholics reflect on their sacramental experience, continue growing in their faith and deepen their participation in the life and mission of the church. A time of ongoing formation, community and discovering how God is calling them to live out their faith.