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 is called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. OCIA for short. 

Adults and children older than 7 who have not been baptized typically participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). After prayer, study and spiritual direction, they receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday night.

Adults who have been baptized in another Christian tradition may also be welcomed at the Easter Vigil, or at another time.  They are confirmed and receive Communion.

The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process involves four stages of study, prayer, and formation for adults seeking to enter the Catholic Church or complete their sacraments of initiation. It begins with a period of Inquiry for those asking questions about the faith, followed by the Catechumenate for in-depth learning and scripture reflection. During the Purification and Enlightenment, participants engage in spiritual preparation during Lent, culminating in the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. The final stage is Mystagogy, a post-Easter period of reflection on the experience and commitment to living as a Catholic. 

Living life fully as a Catholic means being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Jesus told his earliest followers to “go and make disciples” of all people.

• We believe the basic elements of discipleship are:Conversion and prayer
• Cathechesis (which means “passing on the faith”) and study
• Community and parish involvement
• Service and evangelization

If you feel you are ready to learn more about the Catholic faith, please contact Bonnie Meadows at bmeadows@evdio.org or by calling the parish office at 812-482-7041 to schedule an appointment