The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
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OCIA (formerly RCIA) is designed for those who are considering joining the Catholic Church through celebrating the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. The process welcomes adults who have never been baptized and those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition.
OCIA at Old St. Patrick’s Church is an engaging, respectful, challenging and ENJOYABLE journey. The spirit in which we present OCIA is best captured by contemporary spiritual author Anne Lamott: I do not know much about the mystery of grace, but I do know that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it finds us. |
Congratulations, New Catholics! | Spring 2025
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OCIA 2025 - 2026
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Old St. Pat's welcomes over 60 inquirers and their sponsors & friends to OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), a journey of discerning entry into the Catholic Church. Our OCIA process began on September 23, 2025 and meets weekly on Tuesday evenings (starting with dinner) from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM continuing through the spring of 2026. We ask our members to keep them in your prayers as they learn, pray, and accompany one another.
We thank Scott Harper, the leader of Old St. Pat's OCIA, and the Old St. Pat's members who accompany inquirers as part of the OCIA team. God bless your days ahead, leading to the Great Vigil of Easter. Interested in exploring whether you may want to become Catholic or complete your sacraments of initiation? Our OCIA group has begun meeting, but you are still welcome to join! Contact Scott Harper at [email protected]. |
*The OCIA is a "come and see" experience - so please do not feel like you have to commit to anything when you sign up to check out the process. We will spend our first gathering helping you get a sense for what the process will be like and meet some of the people who will be along for the ride!
Testimonials
"I am certain in my decision to become Catholic and for the very first time in a long time, I feel welcomed, loved, and that I belong to God… I no longer feel afraid and alone"
-Pam, OCIA Candidate, now new Catholic
"I wonder why I waited so long to take this step in my spiritual life, and I also realize I have never been more ready for it than I am right now."
-Kelly, OCIA Catechumen, now new Catholic
"There is much more to Church and Catholicism than I first thought. I now see that the Catholic Church is a society, a community, a school, and a place to reflect, a gathering of friends and most of all: a place to develop a closer relationship with God through Jesus."
-Tim, OCIA Candidate