Welcome to your Catholic Journey of Faith
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults OCIA
Formerly referred to as Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA
Q&A
En Español
Welcome! We are happy you are interested in learning about the Catholic faith. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process by which men and women become members of the Catholic Church. It takes place within the context of the church community, and after a suitable period of formation, culminates in the reception of the sacraments of baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. We hope the following answers your initial questions. To hear from others who have been through the OCIA process, go to New Catholic Testimonials. To inquire further, visit a
Catholic parish near you.
You are always welcome to attend a Sunday Mass (worship service) at a Catholic church in your area. Go to the Diocese of Shreveport Mass times and events to find a Catholic church in your area. Click on a city to find church parishes for directions, contact information and Mass schedule.
What if I think that I want to become Catholic?
God calls and we respond. Through the process of Christian initiation, men and women at all stages of the faith journey come together in a non-threatening and non-
pressured atmosphere to learn more about the Catholic Church. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process by which men and women become members of the Catholic Church.
The process takes place within the context of the church community, and after a suitable period of formation, culminates in the reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. The Catholic Church honors the baptism of those who have already been baptized with the Trinitarian formula and it is not necessary for them to be baptized again.
OCIA provides a forum for shared spiritual growth and a means to explore the Catholic Christian tradition through Scripture, sacraments, Church teaching and social outreach, all in the midst of the Catholic faith community. Formation includes several areas:
§ Scripture — The stories of God’s people
§ Teaching — What Catholics believe
§ Prayer — How we communicate with God
§ Liturgy — How the community worships
§ Mission — How we live out what we believe
Who may attend OCIA?
The process of initiation is for adults who are unbaptized and want to become Catholic Christians through the sacrament of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist; are baptized Christians (in another faith tradition or Catholic) who want full sacramental membership in the Roman Catholic Church through confirmation and Eucharist; attend a Catholic Church because of a loved one or spouse and are not sure if the Catholic Church is for them, but are willing to ask questions; and children who have reached the age of reason (about seven years).
How long does it take to become a Catholic?
It takes “as long as it takes.” Becoming a Catholic is ongoing and is life-long commitment. The process usually takes approximately a year but may take less or more time depending on the individual.
Those who opt to begin the process meet once a week and begin to attend Sunday Mass. Those who are ready to make the commitment to become members of the Catholic Church usually do so at the Easter Vigil or at other times throughout the year. For details on the OCIA process, see OCIA Steps.
What if I change my mind?
By coming to inquire and finding out what is involved one is not making a commitment. During the first few months one is free to leave at any time. One may take all the time needed before making any commitment. There is no pressure and one should feel free to decide when one is ready to make such a commitment.
How do I join an OCIA process?
If you want to learn more about becoming Catholic, contact the Catholic church nearest you and participate in OCIA. For more information, go to Diocese of Shreveport Parish Directory.
*Text adapted with permission from the Diocese of Little Rock.