Welcome to our Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program! Rooted in the rich tradition of the Catholic Church, our program is designed for adults who have not yet been baptized or who are seeking to complete their Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Through prayer, learning, and community, we guide adults on a meaningful journey of faith, helping them to grow in their relationship with Christ and become active members of the Church. We invite you to explore this sacred path with us.
Easter Vigil 2026
Saturday, April 4
St. John Church
Saturday, April 4
St. John Church
Period of Inquiry
This period focuses on evangelization and initial exploration of the Catholic faith. It's a time for individuals to learn about Jesus Christ, consider their relationship with him, and express interest in the Catholic Church.
Rite of Entrance Rehearsal
Thursday, November 20, 2025
7-8:30pm | St. John
Sponsors and Godparents
This period focuses on evangelization and initial exploration of the Catholic faith. It's a time for individuals to learn about Jesus Christ, consider their relationship with him, and express interest in the Catholic Church.
Rite of Entrance Rehearsal
Thursday, November 20, 2025
7-8:30pm | St. John
Sponsors and Godparents
Catechumenate
This period of formation and instruction for adults seeking to become members of the Christian Church through baptism. It's a structured process of spiritual and doctrinal preparation.
Rite of Entrance
Sunday, November 30, 2025
11am Mass | St. John Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Retreat
Saturday, February 7, 2026
1-6:30pm | St. Michael Church
Includes 5:30pm Mass
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
7pm | St. John
Sponsor and Godparents
Rite of Sending Rehearsal
This period of formation and instruction for adults seeking to become members of the Christian Church through baptism. It's a structured process of spiritual and doctrinal preparation.
Rite of Entrance
Sunday, November 30, 2025
11am Mass | St. John Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Retreat
Saturday, February 7, 2026
1-6:30pm | St. Michael Church
Includes 5:30pm Mass
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
7pm | St. John
Sponsor and Godparents
Rite of Sending Rehearsal
Purification & Enlightenment
This period is a time of reflection and examination of one's life, culminating in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.
Rite of Sending
Sunday, February 22, 2026
11am Mass | St. John Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Rite of Election
Sunday, February 22, 2026
3pm | Immaculate Conception, Dayton
First Scrutiny
Sunday, March 8, 2026
8am Mass | St. Michael Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Second Scrutiny
Sunday, March 15, 2026
10am Mass | St. Gabriel Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Third Scrutiny
Sunday, March 22, 2026
11am Mass | St. John Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 29, 2026
11am Mass | St. John Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Easter Vigil Rehearsal
Saturday, April 4, 2026
10am | Morning Prayer & Rehearsal
Sponsor and Godparents
Easter Vigil
Saturday, April 4, 2026
8:15pm | Arrival
9pm | Easter Vigil Mass
Sponsor and Godparents
Mystagogy
Thursday, April 9, 2026
7-8:30pm | St. John Spirit House
This period is a time of reflection and examination of one's life, culminating in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.
Rite of Sending
Sunday, February 22, 2026
11am Mass | St. John Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Rite of Election
Sunday, February 22, 2026
3pm | Immaculate Conception, Dayton
First Scrutiny
Sunday, March 8, 2026
8am Mass | St. Michael Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Second Scrutiny
Sunday, March 15, 2026
10am Mass | St. Gabriel Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Third Scrutiny
Sunday, March 22, 2026
11am Mass | St. John Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 29, 2026
11am Mass | St. John Church
Sponsor and Godparents
Easter Vigil Rehearsal
Saturday, April 4, 2026
10am | Morning Prayer & Rehearsal
Sponsor and Godparents
Easter Vigil
Saturday, April 4, 2026
8:15pm | Arrival
9pm | Easter Vigil Mass
Sponsor and Godparents
Mystagogy
Thursday, April 9, 2026
7-8:30pm | St. John Spirit House
What is OCIA?
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It’s the Catholic Church’s process for adults (ages 18 and up) who are thinking about becoming Catholic or completing their sacraments. Whether you’ve never been baptized, were baptized in another Christian denomination, or grew up Catholic but never received First Communion or Confirmation—OCIA is for you. It’s a welcoming, low-pressure way to explore the Catholic faith, ask questions, and prepare for full participation in the Church.
Who should sign up for OCIC?
We welcome adults in three situations: Catechumens – You’ve never been baptized and are preparing to receive Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. Candidates – You were baptized in another Christian tradition and are now preparing to enter full communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Communion. Adult Catholics completing sacraments – You were baptized Catholic but never received First Communion and/or Confirmation. If you’re not sure which one describes you, don’t worry—we’ll help you figure it out.
What are the Sacraments of Initiation?
In the Catholic Church, there are seven sacraments, but three are all about starting your journey of faith—these are called the Sacraments of Initiation:
Baptism – A symbolic washing with water that marks your official entry into the Church.
First Communion – Receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus through the Eucharist for the first time.
Confirmation – A special anointing with oil that seals you with the Holy Spirit and completes your initiation.
Catechumens receive all three sacraments together at the Easter Vigil. If you’ve already been baptized, you’ll just need Confirmation and First Communion.
When do participants receive their sacraments?
OCIA participants (both adults and children) receive their sacraments together during the Easter Vigil, which is held on the Saturday night before Easter Sunday.
What is the Easter Vigil?
The Easter Vigil is a powerful, beautiful Mass that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and welcomes new members into the Church. It’s the highlight of the liturgical year, filled with music, Scripture, and sacred rituals. It usually lasts about three hours—and it’s absolutely worth it. This is when baptisms happen, and when candidates and catechumens officially join the Catholic family.
What should I wear for the Easter Vigil?
Dress respectfully like you would for a special occasion. If you’re being baptized, you’ll wear a purple robe during the baptism and change into a white robe afterward to symbolize new life. You’ll want to bring clothes you don’t mind getting wet, plus a dry change for after. If you’re already baptized, you’ll wear regular dress clothes—no robe required.
I was baptized in another Christian church. Do I need to be baptized again?
In most cases, no. The Catholic Church recognizes baptisms from most Christian denominations (as long as they used water and baptized “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”). You’ll just need to provide a certificate or some proof of baptism, and you’ll be welcomed through Confirmation and First Communion only.
What are the OCIA meetings like?
OCIA is a relaxed, friendly environment where adults meet weekly to learn about the Catholic faith, reflect on Scripture, and talk about what it all means in daily life. We use a combination of short readings, discussion, and prayer—no tests, no grades, no pressure. Just real conversations about real faith.
When and where are classes held?
Classes take place on Thursday evenings from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at St. John Church. We’ll also meet for a few special events, like retreats and preparation days during Lent.
Is Mass attendance required?
Yes. OCIA is about more than just classroom learning—it’s about entering fully into the life of the Church. Attending Sunday Mass regularly (either Saturday evening or Sunday morning) is part of the journey. We’ll help you understand what’s happening at Mass, even if it’s all new to you.
What if I'm not 100% sure yet?
That’s totally okay. OCIA is designed for people who are exploring the Catholic faith. You’re not committing on day one. Many people join OCIA just to learn more, and some decide later whether they’re ready to receive the sacraments. There’s room to ask hard questions, take your time, and listen to how God is working in your life.
Can I take more than one year to go through OCIA?Yes. If you start the process and realize you’re not ready, you can pause and pick it back up the following year. Faith is a journey, not a race. We’ll walk with you at your pace.
What if I'm married or have a complicated family situation?
Marriage and family situations can affect your path through OCIA, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. Let us know your situation, and we’ll walk you through it gently and respectfully. Whether it’s a previous marriage, kids from another faith, or something else—we’ll figure it out together.
Do I need a sponsor or godparent?
Yes. If you’re being baptized, you’ll need a godparent. If you’re already baptized, you’ll need a sponsor. This should be a practicing Catholic who’s at least 16 years old and not your spouse or legal guardian. They’ll walk with you through the process and stand beside you at the Easter Vigil. If you need help finding someone, we can assist.
How do I begin?
Want to take the next step? Curious but not ready to commit? Reach out and let’s talk. OCIA is about exploring, discovering, and deepening your faith—with no pressure and plenty of support. Contact us using the form below to be put into contact with our OCIA team.
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It’s the Catholic Church’s process for adults (ages 18 and up) who are thinking about becoming Catholic or completing their sacraments. Whether you’ve never been baptized, were baptized in another Christian denomination, or grew up Catholic but never received First Communion or Confirmation—OCIA is for you. It’s a welcoming, low-pressure way to explore the Catholic faith, ask questions, and prepare for full participation in the Church.
Who should sign up for OCIC?
We welcome adults in three situations: Catechumens – You’ve never been baptized and are preparing to receive Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. Candidates – You were baptized in another Christian tradition and are now preparing to enter full communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Communion. Adult Catholics completing sacraments – You were baptized Catholic but never received First Communion and/or Confirmation. If you’re not sure which one describes you, don’t worry—we’ll help you figure it out.
What are the Sacraments of Initiation?
In the Catholic Church, there are seven sacraments, but three are all about starting your journey of faith—these are called the Sacraments of Initiation:
Baptism – A symbolic washing with water that marks your official entry into the Church.
First Communion – Receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus through the Eucharist for the first time.
Confirmation – A special anointing with oil that seals you with the Holy Spirit and completes your initiation.
Catechumens receive all three sacraments together at the Easter Vigil. If you’ve already been baptized, you’ll just need Confirmation and First Communion.
When do participants receive their sacraments?
OCIA participants (both adults and children) receive their sacraments together during the Easter Vigil, which is held on the Saturday night before Easter Sunday.
What is the Easter Vigil?
The Easter Vigil is a powerful, beautiful Mass that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and welcomes new members into the Church. It’s the highlight of the liturgical year, filled with music, Scripture, and sacred rituals. It usually lasts about three hours—and it’s absolutely worth it. This is when baptisms happen, and when candidates and catechumens officially join the Catholic family.
What should I wear for the Easter Vigil?
Dress respectfully like you would for a special occasion. If you’re being baptized, you’ll wear a purple robe during the baptism and change into a white robe afterward to symbolize new life. You’ll want to bring clothes you don’t mind getting wet, plus a dry change for after. If you’re already baptized, you’ll wear regular dress clothes—no robe required.
I was baptized in another Christian church. Do I need to be baptized again?
In most cases, no. The Catholic Church recognizes baptisms from most Christian denominations (as long as they used water and baptized “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”). You’ll just need to provide a certificate or some proof of baptism, and you’ll be welcomed through Confirmation and First Communion only.
What are the OCIA meetings like?
OCIA is a relaxed, friendly environment where adults meet weekly to learn about the Catholic faith, reflect on Scripture, and talk about what it all means in daily life. We use a combination of short readings, discussion, and prayer—no tests, no grades, no pressure. Just real conversations about real faith.
When and where are classes held?
Classes take place on Thursday evenings from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at St. John Church. We’ll also meet for a few special events, like retreats and preparation days during Lent.
Is Mass attendance required?
Yes. OCIA is about more than just classroom learning—it’s about entering fully into the life of the Church. Attending Sunday Mass regularly (either Saturday evening or Sunday morning) is part of the journey. We’ll help you understand what’s happening at Mass, even if it’s all new to you.
What if I'm not 100% sure yet?
That’s totally okay. OCIA is designed for people who are exploring the Catholic faith. You’re not committing on day one. Many people join OCIA just to learn more, and some decide later whether they’re ready to receive the sacraments. There’s room to ask hard questions, take your time, and listen to how God is working in your life.
Can I take more than one year to go through OCIA?Yes. If you start the process and realize you’re not ready, you can pause and pick it back up the following year. Faith is a journey, not a race. We’ll walk with you at your pace.
What if I'm married or have a complicated family situation?
Marriage and family situations can affect your path through OCIA, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. Let us know your situation, and we’ll walk you through it gently and respectfully. Whether it’s a previous marriage, kids from another faith, or something else—we’ll figure it out together.
Do I need a sponsor or godparent?
Yes. If you’re being baptized, you’ll need a godparent. If you’re already baptized, you’ll need a sponsor. This should be a practicing Catholic who’s at least 16 years old and not your spouse or legal guardian. They’ll walk with you through the process and stand beside you at the Easter Vigil. If you need help finding someone, we can assist.
How do I begin?
Want to take the next step? Curious but not ready to commit? Reach out and let’s talk. OCIA is about exploring, discovering, and deepening your faith—with no pressure and plenty of support. Contact us using the form below to be put into contact with our OCIA team.
A COMMUNITY OF CHRIST'S FOLLOWERS. |