RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It's the process through which unbaptized adults and older children are formed in the teachings and practices of Catholicism and are initiated into the Catholic Church. It's marked by various rites or rituals, which usually occur at Sunday Mass. Sometimes the process includes baptized adult Christians or Catholics who are preparing to receive the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults was formerly referred to as RCIA, or the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

OCIA is a program designed to prepare adults to become Catholic. If you have been desiring to join the body of Christ or to learn more about our beautiful Christian tradition as you consider a Catholic life, this program is for you. Designed to prepare adults to enter fully into the sacramental life of the Church, OCIA seeks to help provide you with a clear understanding of the commitment of Christian life. 

Jesus told his followers to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). No other ancient religion sought converts: not Egyptians, Greeks, or Romans. But Christians—not just Catholics—still welcome and invite anyone to join us. 

This is because we believe that:

• Following Jesus brings people joy and peace, both here and in the life to come. We believe the Catholic Church has the fullest and most authentic understanding of Jesus.

• The Christian community is strengthened by the conversion of all people, who are created in God's likeness and called to discipleship.

We will meet at the church for weekly sessions with a team of catechists, religion teachers, sponsors, and fellow participants. Each session is a safe place to discuss the faith and explore questions about Catholicism or religion and spirituality in general. All questions are welcomed and honored.

God invited Mary to be the mother of Jesus because Jesus couldn't be born without her free and informed consent. Before giving her consent, Mary asked, "How can this be?" (Luke 1:34). Like Mary, we all have free will to accept Jesus into our lives and to ask our questions. That's how much God respects—and even expects—your honest questions.

This process began in the earliest years of the Church. In those first centuries, it was a challenge to convert to Christianity because the Roman Empire often persecuted those who didn't follow its pagan religion.

The Church wanted to make sure that candidates really knew what they were doing and were willing to stand up for their faith in a hostile environment, even to the point of death. In the 1960s, the church called for a return to this early model in order to provide Christian formation in the same gradual way people experience and enter any lasting and loving relationship.

Our current program RCIA covers a two-year period of inquiry, study, and preparation. The program's length and time can vary depending on the individual seeking formation, especially if you have already received some sacraments or experienced some Catholic religious formation. Exceptions to the two-year period are at the prayerful discernment and discretion of the parish priest.

Please contact us with any questions regarding RCIA, the program length, or previous Catholic formation. It is our desire and goal to make this formation program available to any who want to join the body of Christ and we are here to help you and walk through that process with you.