OCIA

Parish of Our Lady of Hope > OCIA

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

Anyone past the age of reason who would like to become a member of the Catholic Church can request to be a participant in the process of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) The Director of Religious Education, following Church regulations and guidelines, directs this process of initiation into the Church. Participants meet together with a catechist and the church community receiving formation and information as they seek to become new members of the Catholic Church. This process usually takes one year, but may take up to three years. Participants receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism if necessary, Holy Communion and Confirmation) during the Easter Vigil Mass.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, OCIA, is the process by which interested persons gradually become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. OCIA is a journey of faith and learning.  It is a formation process where an individual comes to know the truths and believes of the Catholic Church while discerning God’s inner call.  It is a process where an individual discovers the beauty of the Catholic faith.  It is a process where an individual hears the word of God and has an opportunity to respond to this Word in prayer and worship. OCIA is a process where an individual can discern God’s call to the one true faith professed in the Catholic environment of prayer, worship, service and community.

Those eligible are:

  • unbaptized, those who have no religious affiliation, Jews, Muslims, etc.
  • baptized Catholics who have never received Holy Communion or Confirmation
  • baptized Christians of another Christian denomination.

Anyone interested in becoming a fully initiated member of our Catholic Faith can seek information on OCIA sessions by calling Sister Elizabeth Toft at 732-222-8686.

 

Confirmation for Adults

A program for adults who are baptized and have made First Holy Communion but have never received the Sacrament of Confirmation is available.  Any adult wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact Sister Elizabeth Toft at 732-222-8686.  Every effort will be made to schedule classes to accommodate work schedules.