How to Become a Catholic: OCIA/OCIC

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process by which adults can enter the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.  Those who wish to become Catholic are received into the Church every year at the the Easter Vigil Mass.

Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC) is a similar process to OCIA, but for children between the ages of seven and eighteen who wish either to become a Catholic or to catch up on their Sacraments.

The OCIA/OCIC programs are designed for those who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and who wish to enter the Catholic Church.  By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the Sacraments of the Catholic Church fruitfully.

Other adult Catholics desiring to learn more about the Catholic faith are encouraged to attend OCIA sessions.  Our OCIA sessions are normally conducted on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. in Hammond Hall.  The OCIC classes are held during regular CCD class times.  For more information, please contact the Director of Religious Education, Joseph Stakem, at 703-971-8541 or by email.