How do I become Catholic?

Welcome! Those wishing to become a fully-initiated Catholic or those exploring the Catholic faith enter a systematic process that is known as OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults), formerly known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). OCIA is based on one’s study and commitment in entering the Church, living a life of harmony with Church teachings, and receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. Depending on one’s state in life and Sacraments desired, a participant is accompanied through different stages along the OCIA journey.

What is OCIA/RCIA?

OCIA/RCIA is the program and process by which adults, unbaptized and baptized, can enter the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion or come into Full Communion/become a fully-initiated Catholic. Those who wish to become Catholic are received into the Church every year at the Easter Vigil Mass or at another time. While differing in name and precise execution, this process is one of the oldest in the Church and is about one’s conversion to the Lord. At The Basilica of Saint Mary, the OCIA school year is August/September through April/May.

Generally, there are five periods to OCIA:

Period of Inquiry: Everyone who begins OCIA is an Inquirer. As one learns about the Catholic faith, hears the Good News of the Lord’s salvation, discerns and reflects, conversion is playing out; it is up to the individual inquirer to consider becoming a member of the Church (ends at the Rite of Welcoming/Acceptance)
Period of the Catechumenate: This stage embodies the first stages of commitment leading to full membership. To enter into this phase, one should already have come to faith in Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior and sincerely desires to become a member of the Catholic Church (ends at the Rite of Election)
Period of Purification and Illumination: Usually, this period corresponds to the Catholic Church’s time as “Lent,” which is the six weeks of preparation before Easter. This period becomes a prayerful time for catechumens, who are now known as the “Elect”. The Elect continue to pray, attend various Rites with the church community, and prepare for the moment they enter the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil or another time, and receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist.
The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Easter Vigil or another time): The Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil, an extended night watch of prayer, singing, and hearing God’s Word in anticipation of Christ’s resurrection at Easter. Through the waters of Baptism, a person passes into the new life of grace and becomes a member of the Body of Christ. By anointing the person with the Sacred Chrism during the Rite of Confirmation, one is sealed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, one is called to full participation at the Eucharistic Table, which marks full membership in the Catholic Church.
Period of Mystagogy: Period of Mystagogy lasts from Easter Sunday until the completion of the Easter Season at Pentecost. At the end of mystagogy, one reaches the end of the Rites of Christian Initiation. Those who have just shared in the Sacraments of Initiation are now called “Neophytes (newly planted),” During the Easter season, they reflect on what they have just gone through and look to the future as to how they can now share in the mission of Christ who came to bring salvation and life to the whole world. This time period reminds the whole church that life in Christ constantly calls us to grow and look for new ways to live the life of grace personally and together. This final period reminds the neophytes that the initiation process is just that: initiation, not graduation, which means a commitment to a lifelong journey of living and loving the Catholic faith and continued conversion toward the Lord

Who can register and/or participate?

Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to participate in OCIA classes and activities. To attend OCIA at The Basilica of Saint Mary and so that out priests can serve, please check that you live in parish boundaries that are based on one’s home address. Of course one may attend Mass anywhere, for OCIA/sacramental needs, we ask you to observe parish boundaries. No previous knowledge or experience of Christianity/Catholicism is necessary.

OCIA is for three groups of adults, 18 years old and older:

Those who are not baptized.
Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Baptized Catholics who were not fully formed in the Catholic faith and have not completed their initiation: those who have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist.

If you are missing Sacraments, not in a Church marriage, or thinking about becoming Catholic, please join our weekly classes. For couples married outside of the Church, our priests are willing to help you prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony, an important step to receiving the other Sacraments and living the Catholic faith as a family. Please contact the parish office and set an appointment to meet with a priest.

Do I have to register to attend OCIA/RCIA classes?

If you are seriously considering becoming Catholic, you should register so that we have the appropriate paperwork on file for you. After registering, you will schedule a 30-45 minute in-take meeting with an Office of Religious Education staff member. During the in-take meeting, books are distributed. Also, inquirers may be referred to a priest. For those baptized Christian/Protestant or Catholic, we need a baptismal certificate.

What is an OCIA/RCIA class like?

Typical Monday night classes are 7:00-8:30 p.m. Our in-person classes are almost always taught by one of our priests, addressing a particular topic about the Catholic faith. OCIA team members attend to welcome you and facilitate discussions. Refreshments are served before each talk for those who have to come straight from work. As your schedule permits, please arrive a few minutes before 7:00 p.m. Here is the 2025-2026 calendar.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

The Basilica of Saint Mary will provide you with all the necessary reading materials (bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Outlines of the Catholic Faith, and articles) we will use for this program, which you should bring to each class. We also recommend taking notes, so a pen and notepad are always a good idea.

Why do I have to meet with a priest as part of the OCIA/RCIA process?

It’s important for you to have a spiritual father throughout this process because a priest is in a unique position to counsel and guide you. As Catholics, we put immense trust in our priests because they are representatives of Christ.

Can I bring my kids with me?

We strongly suggest that you don’t bring your kids with you for three major reasons:

It’s late; each session starts at 7:00-8:30 p.m.
We are going to address some topics that are more appropriate for your kids to learn about from you directly. The priest needs the freedom to speak bluntly, and the presence of a child can prevent him from doing so prudently.
OCIA/RCIA is your time to focus on God. We would like to make sure you are able to give the material the time and attention needed.

What should I do if I miss a class?

Please make sure you’ve read the material for that topic, and come prepared with any questions you may have for the next class. As available, listen to the recording from the class. If you missed a topic you were particularly interested in, you can set up a time to talk to one of the priests about it. Be sure to read and listen to the OCIA session recap. Regularly missing classes may delay your entrance into the Church.

Why does the registration form ask so many personal questions?

Every question on the registration form is designed for the Basilica of Saint Mary to do one of two things:

Better understand where you are coming from so we can best support you
Determine if there are impediments that may delay your entrance into the Catholic Church

By asking for as much detail as possible early in the process, not only can we help identify any impediments, but we can help you resolve them in a timely manner before Easter. Registering before classes begin allows a priest to meet with you and plan a path forward should impediments be identified. Particular questions about the information we ask for can always be addressed by one of our priests or the Director of Religious Education.

What if I cannot attend Monday night classes?

If a situation arises when you are unable to make regular Monday night classes offered at The Basilica of Saint Mary, contact the Office of Religious Education or one of the priests to see if a different arrangement is possible. Commitment to attending the in-person classes is necessary. We may be able to to work with you individually to make sure you are being prepared sufficiently to enter the Catholic Church. We may recommend another parish that offers OCIA at a time/day that is better for your schedule. Regular class attendance is expected.

Returning Catholics

If you been away from the regular practice of the Catholic Faith and would like to come back, please contact the office at 703-836-4100. We are happy to talk with you to figure out a plan to return to the Church.

What if I register and then decide not to become Catholic?

There is no obligation to become Catholic. We will be sad to see you go, but no one can – or should – force you to convert to Catholicism. If you want to delay entering the Church you are welcome to come back to OCIA in the future, we will be happy to work with you again. If you have other questions about OCIA, you can contact one of the priests or Susan Gray at 703-836-4100.

What happens after I become Catholic?

We encourage newly-initiated Catholics to become involved with the parish, to participate in an adult Bible study or prayer group, to join a ministry, and to continue learning about the Catholic faith. Generally, we offer a summer study in June and July on Monday nights. Here’s an article from a Catholic convert on ways of living the faith after OCIA classes end.