The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process whereby adults enter the Catholic Church. OCIA classes are held weekly, and over the course of several months those who attend the OCIA classes are educated on what the Catholic Church believes and are then given the opportunity to ask questions about those beliefs. Just because you start OCIA, doesn’t mean that you are committed to finishing. If you are merely curious about what Catholicism is, please feel free to join us. All are welcome.  If you are considering initiation into the Catholic faith, or you were baptized Catholic but missed out on Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation, please feel free to contact our DRE at (941) 585-0668 or via email at faithformation@stcbc.org for more information.​

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People of all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to explore the Catholic faith, and to prayerfully consider whether God is calling them to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist (Communion), or Confirmation with our Catholic family.  Just as with any new relationship, people naturally need a gradual process of getting to know, understand, and appreciate the Catholic Church before making the deeper commitment required for receiving Sacraments.  This is where OCIA comes in.

 

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the gradual process of exploration, welcome, preparation, and initiation for people who are interested in learning more and/or receiving the Catholic Sacraments of Initiation. There is no judgment, pressure or expectation that those who participate will make the decision to receive the Sacraments.  OCIA is also appropriate for persons who were Baptized Catholic but missed out on Eucharist or Confirmation at the normal time.  

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In OCIA for Children (OCIC), children/youth participate together with their parents in a relaxed and welcoming process of exploration, study, prayer and sacraments.  The process is similar to the OCIA for Adults, but it will be age-appropriate.  It will be tailored to meet the needs of each family and will not involve meetings with adult OCIA participants. Included in each family's plan will be weekly Mass and participation in appropriate Faith Formation programs. This means that participating families should begin attending Mass every weekend and should expect to attend regular meetings or classes as indicated in your individual plan. For more information regarding OCIC, please contact the Director of Religious Education at (941) 585-0668 or via email at faithformation@stcbc.org.

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Sponsors and OCIA Team

 

Accompanying the participants in the process of OCIA are their Sponsors, individuals chosen by the Candidates/Catechumens to guide and support them as they  explore the Catholic faith.  You can begin the process without a Sponsor and if you do not have a sponsor we can help you find one.  

 

Sponsors must be Baptized and Confirmed practicing Catholics who are leading a life in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic faith.

 

In addition to Sponsors, the OCIA Ministry involves lay catechists, companions, and priests who serve as teachers, faith sharers, friends, and prayer partners. Additionally, everyone in the community is responsible for ministering to prospective converts through the loving witness of their lives and the openness of their attitudes. New OCIA Team members with experience are always needed.

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Getting Started

 

We are available throughout the year to answer questions about becoming a member of the Catholic faith, and interested persons may begin the OCIA process at any time.  If our session times are not convenient, please don't let this hold you back.  Special arrangement can be made.

 

The first step is to arrange a meeting/interview with the Director of Religious Education. During this meeting you will be welcomed and prayed for, and you can share your personal questions, concerns, information, and wishes while learning more about OCIA. If necessary, this meeting may be followed by a meeting with a priest. To arrange an interview, please contact the Faith Formation Office by phone at (941) 585-0668 or via email at faithformation@stcbc.org.

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Gatherings

 

The next step is to begin attendance at Mass and weekly OCIA sessions from August through May. Session times are listed above. In addition to weekly meetings, the OCIA process includes some very special liturgical experiences that provide spiritual strength and protection for the participants. Some people complete the OCIA process in about a year, while others may need or choose to complete the process in two or more years. OCIA participants normally receive their Sacraments at the Easter Vigil, the night before Easter. 

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Additional Resources

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• Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/

• US Conference of Catholic Bishops: http://www.usccb.org

• Diocese of Venice: http://www.dioceseofvenice.org/