OCIA - Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
the journey of faith lasts a lifetime
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (formerly RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation) is a formation program for individuals who have experienced conversion, become a believing disciple of Christ and desire to fulfill God's will to live this life of Faith in Community as a Catholic, or discover more about what such a call means. OCIA is also for those who are baptized Christians. The goal of the program is full communion which means “full, conscious and active participation” in the Eucharist and in the whole life of the Catholic faith. This journey of faith and discovery will help you to better understand the meaning of being a missionary disciple of Christ, the nature, beauty and teachings of the Catholic Church and, if you choose, will set you on a firm foundation for fulfilling the 'Universal Call to Holiness.'
Contact
George Howell
OCIA 2026-07 Program is underway! - It is not too late to register!
Our OCIA program is now in session (next door in the Providence Center while the Basilica is undergiong renovations). New registrants are still being accepted.
Classes are on Sundays at 8 a.m. Initiation into the Church will conclude during the celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass, March 27, 2027.
TO SIGN UP AS A CANDIDATE OR TO VOLUNTEER AS A SPONSOR, PLEASE CONTACT GEORGE HOWELL at (904) 463-4778 or at
[email protected].
Participants on this communal journey meet at least weekly. The goal is to foster or deepen one's conversion in the community of the Church of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom that involves the preaching and teaching of the Gospel, prayer, spiritual direction, catechesis (passing on the tradition of the Church) and direct contact with the members of the Community. As a community, we are charged with the responsibility of sharing our life with new members and offering them support and encouragement as they make their faith journey. As a part of that support, we provide sponsors who can serve as spiritual companions for those who seek membership in the Catholic Community.
This community of adults, seeking faith and understanding will have experiences in liturgical rites that are celebrated with the parish community as they endeavor to pray with and for you along your journey. These rites also mark your spiritual growth and visibly express God's love for you through the 'mystical Body of Christ, the Church'.
This is not another "process," but it is the very life of the Church, a living instrument of renewal and experienced since the beginning of the Church. The initiation of adults is for the life of the Church. Through RCIA, Catholics are given the opportunity to reflect in a very positive way on their own baptismal promises.
The OCIA journey of faith culminates during Holy Week with the Baptism or Profession of Faith of candidates during the Easter Vigil service. At that time, those who have made the entire journey of knowledge and spiritual growth through the preceding months are welcomed into the Church as full members of the faith community. Holy Week is a very special season in the Church, and a very fitting time for receiving new souls into the Body of Christ. However, it is only the beginning of a life lived in the holy endeavor to know Jesus Christ better and become more like Him in the service of others.
If you would like more information or to become a participant on this journey, please call the parish office, or feel free to send an email.