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