OCIA

Way | Truth | Life is a way of examining what the Catholic Church teaches through the lens of who Jesus was, the life He led and the truths that He handed on to His Apostles. Seekers and believers of every level will find new ways to consider God’s ancient truths that will build and encourage their own faith and love of the Lord and give them words and a voice to share
this Good News with others.

WTL is for Everyone!

The Curious 
Maybe they don’t even want to come to Mass yet, maybe they are just wondering if what they’ve heard about Christianity in general or the Catholic Faith in particular is true (whether they’ve heard good or bad). This is their chance to encounter the Truth and ask their questions in a non-judgmental environment.

The Officially Seeking
For those who have a little more certainty and want to join the OCIA process, attending part of the Mass, some private teaching and conversation time, and then the larger group experience allow them to fully consider what Jesus has passed down to us, and get answers to their questions that will allow them to continue to grow in relationship with God.

Faith Formation Parents 
Timed during Sunday Faith Formation so that you can stay and learn something new (you can’t let the kids get ahead of you).

The Casual Catholic.
Sometimes you come, sometime you don’t. Sometimes you find it meaningful, sometimes you don’t. But your still here. Brief, engaging teaching, community building and a new take on things will help to make all of your times here more meaningful.

The Cradle Catholic
The line we hear most often in our adult programs and Bible studies is: Why didn’t they teach me that when I was in Catholic School, or CCD? There could be many reasons, but learning it now will bring your faith life (and in turn your whole life) to a whole new level.

The Evangelist
You’re out there. You have been trying to coax friends, family and coworkers to the faith (or back to it), but you don’t always have the right words or examples. Hearing new ways to talk about eternal truths and hearing others react will bring your love of the Lord into a conversational space that will help you listen and respond more effectively than ever.
Learn More

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)—formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)—is a structured, deeply spiritual journey for those seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. It’s not just a program but a transformative process rooted in Scripture, liturgy, and community.

Unbaptized Journey

Here’s a breakdown of the steps as they would be followed for someone who is not baptized.

1. Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
   • A time of initial inquiry and exploration.
   • Inquirers begin to learn about Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.
   • This learning takes place primarily in Way | Truth | Life sessions held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. 
   • No formal commitment yet—just seeking and asking questions.
   • Ends with the Rite of Acceptance if the person chooses to continue.
2. Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
   • A public liturgical ceremony where the inquirer becomes a catechumen (one being instructed).
   • The Church formally recognizes their intention to follow Christ.
   • Sponsors are assigned to accompany them on the journey.
   • A spiritual companion will be offered to them as well. 
3. Period of the Catechumenate
   • A time of deep formation in faith, prayer, and community life.
   • Catechumens receive systematic catechesis and participate in liturgical rites.
   • This learning takes place primarily in Way | Truth | Life sessions. 
   • Duration varies—can be months or years depending on readiness.
   • Culminates in the Rite of Election.
4. Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names
   • Celebrated typically on the First Sunday of Lent.
   • Catechumens become the Elect, expressing their desire for baptism.
   • Their names are inscribed in the Book of the Elect.
   • This is presided over by the Bishop at St. Paul's Cathedral all of the Catechumens from around the Diocese.
5. Period of Purification and Enlightenment
   • A more intense spiritual preparation during Lent.
   • Includes Scrutinies, Presentations and reflection.
   • Focuses on interior conversion and readiness for the sacraments.
6. Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
   • Takes place during the Easter Vigil.
   • The Elect receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
   • They are now fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.
7. Period of Mystagogy
   • Post-initiation reflection and integration.
   • Newly initiated (called Neophytes) deepen their understanding of the sacraments.
   • Continues through the Easter season, often until Pentecost.

This journey is more about spiritual transformation than it is about learning doctrine. It’s a beautiful blend of liturgy, community, and personal encounter with Christ. You’ll notice that there are not timelines here. That’s because it moves at the speed of relationship. Knowing a certain number of facts about someone is not the same as loving them. 

Baptized Journey

Not everyone interested in coming to the Catholic Church is unbaptized. Sometimes they have been baptized in other Christian faith traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes those who are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit as members of Christ’s body, the Church. Because of their baptism, titles like Catechumen or Elect don’t apply to them. Their level of knowledge about their faith will vary as will their relationship with the Lord. The time spent in formation will depend on where they are in this journey. The outline below reflects the process for those who have not been previously catechized. 

1. Period of Evangelization
   • A time of initial inquiry and exploration.
   • Inquirers begin to learn about Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.
   • This learning takes place primarily in Way | Truth | Life sessions held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. 
   • No formal commitment yet—just seeking and asking questions.
   • Ends with the Rite of Welcoming if the person chooses to continue.
2. Rite of Welcoming
   • A public liturgical ceremony where the Church publicly prays for and commits their support of those desiring to come into full communion with the Church. 
   • The Church formally recognizes their Baptism and intent to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
   • Sponsors are assigned to accompany them on the journey.
   • A spiritual companion will be offered to them as well. 
3. Period of the Catechesis
   • A time of deep formation in faith, prayer, and community life.
   • Candidates receive systematic catechesis and participate in liturgical rites.
   • This learning takes place primarily in Way | Truth | Life sessions. 
   • Duration varies—can be months or years depending on readiness.
4. Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
   • Takes place during the Easter Vigil.
   • The Candidates receive Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
   • They receive the sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the Easter Vigil.
   • They are now fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.