Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
(OCIA)

What is OCIA?

“OCIA” stands for “the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.” It is the process by which an adult person can receive any or all of the initial sacraments Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. OCIA is also the way for someone to enter and be initiated into the Catholic Church.

History of OCIA

OCIA has been around since the early Church. The Second Vatican Council brought back the OCIA process in keeping with the spirit of communal participation of the whole Church. Those who inquire enter into a public process of formation in community and are integrated into the life of the Catholic Church.

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a formal process of faith formation for three types of participants, 

First are Catechumens:

These are people who have never been baptized and seeking to become Catholic.

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Second are Candidates:

These are people that have been baptized Christians who are not Catholic but seek to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. 

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Third are Adult Catholics:

They have been baptized but seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation. They will receive instruction in the essentials of Catholic faith and life.

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OCIA allows inquirers to learn in depth about all things Catholic. To those who aren't Catholic, it offers the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether they want to enter the Catholic Church. Then, if they decide to continue, it provides for those who complete the faith formation process the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (if they haven't yet been Baptized); the Eucharist; and Confirmation. Along with weekly sessions of instruction, it also includes several Rites that mark the various stages of the process.

Program Starts Monday, October 6 2025 7:00pm

Weekly classes from October thru April Mondays 7pm

Contact Info

Francisco Pino

Director of Religious Education

954 432 6300- religiouseducation@stbernadettefl.com