Christian Initiation
Every year at the Easter Vigils, thousands of people around the world are baptized into the Catholic Church - or, if already baptized in another Christian tradition, enter into Full Communion with the Church.
Parishes welcome and prepare these new Catholics through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) - a step-by-step journey of prayer, study, and community life.
The Steps of OCIA
Inquiry
Getting to know Jesus and the Church
Catechumenate (Deepening Formation)
Through prayer, Scripture and Community the Catechumen learns more about living as a disciple of Christ.
Rite of Election (Becoming the Elect)
During Lent, the Church formally recognizes the Catechumen as among the Elect, ready to prepare for the Sacraments
OCIA - Becoming Catholic at St. Patrick
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
The OCIA is the process through which people of all ages can discover, explore, and enter more deeply into the Catholic faith. Whether you are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian tradition, or a baptized Catholic seeking to complete your sacraments, OCIA provides a path of prayer, formation, and community support. This journey is not only about preparing to receive the sacraments—it’s about encountering Jesus Christ and becoming part of the Catholic Church in a life-giving way.
At St. Patrick, we offer OCIA in three forms:
- Children’s OCIA (3rd grade and up): Helping children grow in faith and prepare for the sacraments in an age-appropriate way.
- Adult OCIA: Guiding adults who are seeking Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, or full communion with the Catholic Church.
- Spanish-language OCIA: A complete OCIA process in Spanish for those who prefer to learn and pray in their native language.
Explore the sections below to see how God may be inviting you—or someone you know—into this journey of faith.
Links
Adult Formation Process (USCCB)
Nancy Longo: ff@stpatrickhutto.org
Luisa Lerma: ffadmin@stpatrickhutto.org
Candelaria Díaz: cdiaz_2262@hotmail.com
Deacon Bob Van Til: deacon.bob@stpatrickhutto.org
Children's OCIC
Children & Teens OCIA (Ages 7–17)
Children and teens who need Baptism, First Reconciliation, or First Eucharist are invited to journey with us through OCIA adapted for families.
Our mission is to help young people—and their families—encounter Christ in a life-giving way. Through engaging catechesis, activities, and small group fellowship, children not only prepare to receive the sacraments but also begin building a lifelong relationship with Jesus and His Church.
What to Expect:
Schedule: Classes meet September through May on Wednesday nights, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Family Participation: Parents are essential to the process. Both parents and children attend on Wednesday nights—children/teens in small groups with peers, and parents in small groups with other adults.
Retreat: Families begin the journey together with a Kerygma Retreat.
Timeline: The minimum preparation time is two years. This ensures not just readiness for the sacraments, but also growth as disciples who live their faith daily.
For more information, please contact Nancy Longo or Luisa Lerma.
For more information, contact:
Nancy Longo - ff@stpatrickhutto.org
Luisa Lerma - ffadmin@stpatrickhutto.org
OCIA
English OCIA Classes
Our English OCIA sessions meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Classrooms ABC.
Classes are offered year-round (except in May), and you are welcome to join at any time.
Getting Started:
Simply come to a class—no registration or reservation required.
If you’d like to talk with someone before attending, contact Deacon Bob VanTil at deacon.bob@stpatrickhutto.org.
Clases de OCIA en Español
Clases de OCIA en Español
Nuestras clases de OCIA en español se reúnen los viernes de 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Cómo comenzar:
Complete el formulario de inscripción.
Para más información, comuníquese con Candelaria Díaz: cdiaz_2262@hotmail.com
Sponsors
Sponsors are active Catholics who walk alongside those journeying through the OCIA process. They serve as companions—listening, answering questions, praying together, and helping catechumens feel connected to the parish community.
Being a sponsor is not about having all the answers—it’s about being a friend and fellow disciple on the journey of faith. Many sponsors find that their role also deepens and enriches their own relationship with Christ.
Sponsors are encouraged to attend classes with their candidates and to share in the growth, discovery, and joy of the process.
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Padrinos de OCIA
Los padrinos son católicos activos que acompañan a quienes participan en el proceso de OCIA. Su papel es caminar junto a ellos: escuchar, responder preguntas, orar juntos y ayudar a los catecúmenos a sentirse parte de la comunidad parroquial.
Ser padrino no significa tener todas las respuestas—al contrario, se trata de ser un amigo y compañero en el camino de la fe. Muchos padrinos descubren que esta experiencia también fortalece y enriquece su propia relación con Cristo.
Se anima a los padrinos a asistir a las clases junto con sus candidatos y compartir el crecimiento, el descubrimiento y la alegría del proceso.
¿Quieres ser padrino?
Para más información sobre cómo convertirte en padrino de OCIA, comunícate con la oficina parroquial.
