RCIA is now called OCIA. During their November ’21 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meetings, the U.S. Bishops changed the name of the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) to Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA).

What is OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the journey or process by which a person (an inquirer) of catechetical age encounters Christ, becomes more acquainted with the Christian faith, commits his/her life to becoming a disciple/follower of Christ, that is, experiences initial conversion, and becomes a member of his Mystical Body, the Catholic Church. Ultimately, OCIA is a journey to a restored relationship with the Father in and through his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Thus, this process involves a wholistic approach, which includes not only intellectual formation, but human, pastoral, spiritual, as well as apostolic. OCIA, then, is the process by which someone is introduced, trained, and initiated in the Christian way of life, which only begins with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. 

Classes begin in September each year at Sacred Heart Church. Classes will be on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 – 8:30 pm from September until the Easter Vigil. Anyone interested in the Catholic Church is welcome and encouraged to attend.