Welcoming new Catholics (OCIA)

Contact Margaret Zander, DRE
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OCIA Outline 2025

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (O.C.I.A) is a process for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation. This process gradually reveals the story of God’s saving power for all; the mystery of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection; and the workings of the Holy Spirit through the sacraments and practices of the Catholic Church.

Have you been thinking about or have questions about becoming a Catholic? Do you want to know more about your faith? Would you like to invite a friend or relative to consider becoming a Catholic?  

OCIA is for:

1. Those who have not been baptized.  
2. Those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition…  who desire to become Catholic. 
3. Those who have been baptized Catholic but never received any instruction in the Catholic faith... who desire to be in full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

OCIA at St. Francis is a process that entails 1 ½ - hour weekly sessions held at the St. Francis Parish Hall, which are led by a team of St. Francis Parishioners who are trained in this process. These sessions will be held either one evening a week or Sunday mornings, depending on what works best for OCIA participants. 

If you’re not sure about becoming Catholic and just have some questions, the first few sessions are set up for anyone inquiring about Catholic Faith, what Catholics believe and why. These sessions are no pressure, no judgment, and no commitment needed! Friends and family members are invited to come along to these sessions as well. Our team is willing to be flexible and accommodate those who are inquiring. 

The OCIA process varies in length, the Inquiry Sessions will take approximately 3 to 4 months. After inquiry sessions, those who are participating declare their intentions to continue their journey towards becoming Catholics. From this point, sessions will continue through to the Easter Vigil, where the sacraments of initiation will be received.  From beginning to end the OCIA process takes between 10 to 14 months.

The OCIA process takes a long time because there is so much to learn and absorb in order to prepare for the sacraments of initiation. When we receive the sacrament of Confirmation we receive the graces and fruits of the Holy Spirit so..." we can go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15). The Holy Spirit gives us the power to go out and share what we know.

"I feel I gained a lot of much-needed knowledge about my faith. The group I was in made me feel like part of the family. It was a relaxed atmosphere and made learning about my faith fun, also. The RCIA teachers answered any questions I had when needed. My sponsor was very knowledgeable and had a lot of life experiences that tied into our learnings that were very interesting and made a lot of sense on how God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit work into our lives. In summary, I appreciate all of the knowledge I learned about the journey I'm on in my faith. I'm forever grateful to everyone I learned from and met in my RCIA group and on our retreats." Ryan White


"Growing up, my religious education was inconsistent. Although we occasionally attended the Pentecostal church a family friend preached at, we were never baptized, and by the time I was in middle school, we stopped attending church altogether. My mother was Catholic and although we never attended Catholic Church she remained a strong believer throughout her life. She instilled in me a belief in God, yet I knew very little about the Bible, the sacraments, or how it all fits together. It left me wanting to learn more. As a result, I thought about joining the Catholic Church often over the years but was never sure how to take the first step. The death of my mother inspired my sister and me to be baptized at an evangelical church a few years ago. It wasn’t until I started attending mass at St Francis Parish that I learned about the RCIA program and felt my calling to take the next steps to become Catholic. Thankfully, the teachers and sponsors were very welcoming and helpful throughout the process. The classes were interesting, thought-provoking, and spiritually satisfying.

After completing the program, I had my marriage co-validated at St Francis Church followed by my Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Receiving the sacraments was both the amazing end to a decades’ long journey and the beginning of a new life of spiritual awakening. Thank you to the St Francis RCIA program for welcoming me home to the Catholic Church." Christina Feisthauer


"If you are looking to increase your knowledge of the catholic faith and traditions, this class is for you. This class gives you the foundation needed to fully appreciate the Eucharist and its utmost importance in the Mass and in your life. The Rite of Election with Bishop Callahan was both meaningful and encouraging. Being able to receive communion at Easter Vigil was fulfilling. I am thankful to be in full communion with the church Jesus founded." Dan Jensen