What is OCIA?
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation. OCIA is the systematic program and process by which adults can enter the Catholic Church. Those who wish to become a fully initiated Catholic are received into the Church every year at the Easter Vigil Mass or another time. The OCIA process focuses heavily on catechesis (The Creed, sacraments, moral life, prayer), but also aims to incorporate scriptural and spiritual activities that help participants better understand Catholic liturgy, prayer, and customs in his/her conversion. We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about God and the Catholic faith.
Over the summer, as part of the pre-Catechumenate/inquiry or as Mystagogy, The Basilica of Saint Mary offers a Summer Study on Monday nights in June and July.
Formerly known as RCIA/The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the name changed to Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, or OCIA. The change applies to both the process by which adults enter the church and the book that contains the liturgical text. This change is a part of the continued effort to update liturgical texts to reflect greater fidelity to the original Latin. The Latin text from which the English is translated is titled Ordo Initiation is Christianæ Adultorum. The English word “order” is an updated translation of the Latin word “ordo”. The name change also reflects the understanding that the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is not a single rite, but rather a collection of liturgical rites used for persons who are entering the Catholic Church.
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When and where is OCIA?
OCIA Session Information:
When: In-person classes on Mondays from 7:00-8:30 p.m., late August/early September – May
Who: Unbaptized and baptized adults (age 18) who desire to learn about the Lord and His Church. Generally, OCIA students live within the geographic boundaries of The Basilica of Saint Mary.
Where: The Basilica of Saint Mary Lyceum Auditorium (313 Duke Street) *unless otherwise indicated on the OCIA Calendar. The parking lot closest to the Lyceum Auditorium is located at the intersection of Fairfax and Duke Streets, Alexandria, VA
Please see our schedule for an overview of the entire program.
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Do I have to start the OCIA process by a certain date?
There is no deadline per se, however, we strongly recommend beginning the process in late August/early September and attend the full program by participating in OCIA classes regularly. Classes are in-person. We can accommodate different situations, so please contact us to discuss a plan for consistent faith formation. Late registrations may mean an adult is delayed in receiving the Sacraments during the upcoming Easter season.
The primary aim is ensuring you truly desire to become a fully-initiated Catholic and are ready to fully live out the Catholic faith. For more questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions about OCIA.
Sponsor Information
The requirements of the Catholic Church’s Canon Law (872-874), a Catholic godparent/sponsor:
- Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, leading a life in harmony with the Church’s teachings, and attend Holy Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation; frequents the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist
- If married, it must be a valid sacramental marriage. If single, the sponsor lives according to the Church’s teaching on sexuality
- Not be bound by canonical penalties
- Not be the father or mother (of one being baptized/confirmed).
If you are a member of The Basilica of Saint Mary, have been asked to be an OCIA sponsor, and are a Catholic in good standing by meeting the above requirements, please request an OCIA Sponsor of Eligibility Form.
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