OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults), previously known as Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), is a process designed to help non-Catholics and non-practicing Catholics learn more about Catholicism through a series of classes, discussions, prayer times and ceremonies.  This process helps people grow in faith and knowledge of God as they consider becoming Catholic.  There is no obligation to join the Catholic Church.

People from various backgrounds join the OCIA.  Some have been baptized in another Christian religion and some have not.  Some have been practicing members of a Christian religion for years and some have had little or no religious instruction or support.  Some are already Catholic but are seeking a greater understanding of our Faith.

OCIA is an adult look at the Catholic faith and is meant to combine knowledge of Catholic belief, as well as, a means to grow in relationship with God in a group setting.  Anyone who is searching and seeking for a deeper relationship with God and understanding of the unique qualities of the Catholic Church is welcome.  Childcare is provided.

Are you interested in learning more about Catholicism?  Do you have friends or acquaintances who are questioning what Catholicism is all about?  Do you have Catholic family members or friends who have fallen away from the Faith?  Invite them to investigate the truth about Catholicism by joining the OCIA group here at St. Thomas More.

Beginning in September, we meet every Thursday night from 7:00-8:30 pm, focusing on various  topics.  The OCIA process has several distinct stages.  These Catholic OCIA stages serve as a model for  faith development.  The stages in the process are:

Inquiry:  The initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church.  You're asking questions and checking it out, but aren't yet ready to commit.

Catechumenate:  Those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church.  In this stage, you're developing your faith and are being "catechized" — learning the basic points about Catholic faith and life.  The catechumens (not baptized) and candidates (baptized) will be introduced to the congregation as the Elect at a designated Mass called the Rite of Acceptance.

Purification and Preparation:  The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter.  Catechumens and candidates will take part in a retreat and in the Rite of Election, where they will be introduced to the Bishop of the Salina Diocese.

Initiation:  The culmination of the whole process!  You're received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where you'll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist.  (If you've already been baptized, you won't be baptized again.)

Mystagogy:  After reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.

A variety of priests and lay members will do the presentations each week.  The OCIA Team is composed of members of the parish and priests and are there to help those on the journey.

The teaching presented is lectionary based meaning that the readings for the weekend Mass are reviewed and a topic of interest is identified and discussed, including some doctrine.

For the most part, you will not be re-baptized.  There are some exceptions which will need to be discussed.

Everyone's situation is different, but you will most likely need to begin the annulment process.  We can provide the assistance needed in your situation.  All information discussed is kept confidential.  If you are remarried, you will need to wait until the process is completed in order to become Catholic.  All persons interested in learning more about their faith are invited to attend the OCIA sessions.

If you are not able to make the Thursday sessions, then an alternative instruction is available at a time convenient to you.

Generally, a person will join OCIA during the early fall of one year and become Catholic at Easter time the next year.  Once in a while, this time frame changes according to the needs of the person.

That's your decision and you will not be pressured to become Catholic.  Some people learn about Catholicism for a few years before deciding to become Catholic, and some never choose to do so.

Completely and for the better.  When we give God control over our lives, He takes it and brings us joy like we’ve never known!

Fill out this form and a member of the OCIA Team will contact you to briefly discuss the program and ask you a few questions.  They will also answer any questions you may have about the process.  There will be an OCIA Team Member to assist you on your journey.

We need some enthusiastic energetic team members who are excited about their Catholic faith to help with the OCIA process.  The year starts in September and runs on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. until the first part of May.  The benefits of being a team member include: mentoring an individual learning about the Church, a deeper personal understanding of your own faith, and a small group environment.  If you are interested please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the parish office (785-776-5151).

Helpful resources for OCIA:
Symbolon
St Anthony Messenger Press
Team RCIA
Twenty-Third Publications has OCIA materials for learning and growth in the Church.