OCIA Coordinators’ Latest Update: 6/26/2026
First Rite of the OCIA
(Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The first of the three major rituals of the OCIA, the Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate and Welcome of the Candidates, takes place this Sunday, June 28, before the 4:30 pm Mass.
The inquirers (unbaptized individuals) are invited to step closer to Christ and the Church. They are called by name and signed with the cross of Christ on their foreheads by Fr. Radley before Mass. Then they are invited to take a seat in the church. They are now known as “Catechumens,” learners, who are studying the Catholic faith and drawing closer step by step to Christ.
The Candidates are those already baptized, either as Protestants, or as Catholics. Those from our sister Christian denominations seek full communion with the Catholic Church. They’ve already begun their journey as part of the family of Christ. Our Catholic sisters and brothers are seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation and/or First Communion and like us they are already united to Christ in baptism but also on the lifelong journey of conversion and mission.
Please pray for our Catechumens and Candidates at this first milestone of their journey. Bishop Sullivan will be here for the Rite of Election on August 30, which is the second major Rite of the Order of Christian Initiation. The Final Rite is the celebration of the Sacraments on Initiation on October 4.
The 2026 - 2027 Fall - Spring OCIA begins the week of November 16. Registration will open in September. Those interested are strongly encouraged to join our Alpha or Beta courses and take part in Theology on Tap as preparation.
Please email Fr. Radley Alcantara, Associate Pastor, or Ed Harasim, OCIA Coordinator, for further information on the process of joining the Church or completing your sacraments of initiation through Confirmation and/or First Communion.
Learn more about OCIA