The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a journey of faith for anyone who wants to more deeply encounter Christ through the Catholic faith. It is for those who are unbaptized and baptized Christians who want to discern if God is calling them to the Catholic Church.

Formation Process

The formation process is just that, it is a process, a journey of faith. It’s duration may be different for each person depending on their needs and the working of the Holy Spirit. For an unbaptized person, that journey will take at least one full liturgical year from the beginning of the catechumenate.

Baptized

Baptized in another
Christian Faith

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(757)497-8330 ext. 306
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Inquiry Period

Inquiry is a period of discernment and spiritual growth. The seeker will work with Sister Emily over several meetings to develop an individual faith formation plan.

Catechumenate

During the Catechumenate, the catechumen and candidates will encounter Christ within the parish community and learn about the Catholic Faith by attending Sunday Mass, participating in parish events with their sponsor, attending formal formation sessions the first Monday of the month, periodic check-ins with Sr. Emily, and working their personal faith formation plan.

Purification and Enlightenment

Once the catechumen has completed at least one full liturgical year of faith formation and they have discerned that they are ready, they will enter the order of the Elect at the beginning of Lent and spend that sacred season in immediate spiritual preparation to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

Sacraments

Those who entered the faith formation process as an unbaptized person, will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil once they have completed at least on full liturgical year as a Catechumen.

Mystagogy

During this post sacramental period, the newly baptized will continue to unfold the mysteries they have experienced through the sacraments and in their new community of faith, the Catholic Church.

For baptized Catholic Adults in need of the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Holy Eucharist, please contact Sr. Emily.

(757) 497-8330 ext. 306
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Get Involved!

Initiation Ministry Roles

While the entire parish is responsible for the faith formation of seekers, for those interested in formally companioning seekers on their faith formation journey, there are many ways to help. Note: all parish volunteers must be Virtus certified and up to date on their “bulletins”.

Ambassador of Welcome [For more information click here]

Sponsors [For more information click here]

Catechists [For more information click here]

Dismissal Ministers [For more information click here]