The Christian Initiation Process (often referred to as OCIA-Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process whereby adults enter the Catholic Church. It  welcomes new members and provides them with spiritual and catechetical formation. Individuals are helped with deepening their relationship with God, while broadening their understanding of the Church, its traditions and its teachings.

OCIA recognizes that conversion is a process, a journey of faith. This journey, which the candidiate undertakes at his/her own pace, is marked by various rites publicly acknowledging the individual's movement on the journey and the community's support for them.  The process leads up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil Mass held on the Saturday night before Easter Sunday.

OCIA classes are held monthly throughout the late spring and summer and then weekly from September through May. Those who attend the OCIA classes are educated on what the Catholic Church believes and are given the oppurtunity to ask question about those beliefs. 

Just because you start OCIA, doesn't mean you are committed to finish the process. If you are merely curious about what Catholicism is, please feel free to come. All are welcome.

All participants in the OCIA program are partnered with a Sponsor.  The Sponsor is a parishioner who actively participates in the life of the Church.  Their role is to guide the participant through the process helping them to become part of the parish.

If you are interested in learning more about this program or serving as a Parish Sponsor please contact:  Kim Suttie:  872-2281.