OCIA

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults 

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Are you being called to the Catholic Church? Do you have questions about what Catholics believe? Whether you are just curious or already feel a deep hunger for communion with our Lord and His Church, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for you! You do not make any commitment or obligation by inquiring about Catholicism or beginning the Christian initiation process. OCIA classes will be on Wednesday nights at 7 PM in the Holy Spirit Center. We have ongoing classes from August through May (with a summer break), so you are never "too late" to get started!


For additional information and/or to register for OCIA

Please contact Myra De La Garza at 817-683-3274
or Rusty Gibson at 817-247-1477

It begins with an awareness … or stirring in one’s heart for something more. It could be a curiosity or a sense of longing for fulfillment. Maybe it’s God calling you to explore the life of faith, love, and justice within the community of the Catholic Church …


The Catholic Church always welcomes new members into its community. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the liturgical process in which interested adults may explore Catholicism over time in a friendly, relaxed environment and eventually enter into the Catholic faith.


OCIA is a special time set aside to grow in our understanding of ourselves and our faith, to share stories of our encounters with God, and to build community relationships. Weekly meetings provide an opportunity for prayer, discussion, and reflection. These meetings, together with the experience of worshipping at St. Stephen, can help you find your spiritual home.


We invite you to grow with us as a people of faith in the Roman Catholic tradition. Come and see!


FAQs about Becoming Catholic (OCIA) at St. Stephen Catholic Church

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) offers individuals who may wish to enter the Catholic Church an opportunity to examine the faith in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. A team of lay parishioners and clergy welcome new participants at any time during the year.

OCIA is not a course or class in Catholicism. Rather, it is a gradual, guided period of formation and conversion leading participants toward initiation into the Catholic Church. Initiation into the Church is marked by the celebration of three sacraments as needed: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.


Who is OCIA for?

First, OCIA is for those adults who have not been Baptized in a Christian faith tradition. Through prayer, reflection, and participation in liturgy you enter the Christian church through Baptism. Easter is the usual time for Adult Baptism in the Catholic Church. At the time of your Baptism, you complete your initiation into the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.


Second, OCIA is for those adults who have been Baptized in another Christian denomination. Through a period of formation that includes prayer and participation in liturgy candidates are received into full communion of the Catholic Church by a Profession of Faith and the celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at a Sunday Mass.


Third, OCIA is for those adults who have been Baptized in the Catholic Church but have not celebrated the other sacraments of initiation. The celebration of Confirmation and Eucharist at a Sunday Mass will complete your journey into the Church.


We want to listen to your needs and wishes, as well as to offer you the opportunity fully to discern God’s call at this important moment in your life. Time is needed for your faith formation. All we ask is that you be open to the process.


Is there any cost to participate in OCIA?

No, there is no charge to participate. We will provide you with all necessary materials.


Who is a sponsor?

A godparent/sponsor serves as a model of Christian living for the individual that he/she is serving. They should be someone who is an active member of their parish who is willing to be a friend, a listener, a guide, and who will participate in OCIA with you. The team can help you find a godparent/sponsor if you don't already have someone in mind. In order to serve as a godparent/sponsor, a person must:

  • Be a fully-initiated Catholic in good standing (received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) and who is currently living a sacramental life (attending Mass and Reconciliation regularly) and is not in an irregular marriage, or living a life of habitual sin;
  • Be at least 16 years of age;
  • Not be a parent or spouse of the individual to be confirmed. 


What if I get started and decide this isn’t for me?

Faith in God and the decision to become a member of the Catholic Church are personal choices that must be made in an atmosphere of complete freedom. We will try our best to help you understand what it means to be a Catholic Christian. However, we believe that you must be allowed to use God’s gifts of conscience and free will without feeling any pressure from us.