Order Of Christian Initiation Of Adults
ocia
ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
(OCIA)
Unbaptized Adults
The OCIA is the process by which the Catholic Church baptizes adults who are seeking to become Christians in the Catholic Church. It involves a full initiation process where the person unbaptized receives the Sacraments of Baptism, Cofirmation, and Holy Eucharist at the same time. The preparation requires at least a full year. This preparation is done in four stages that involve prayer, scripture, lessons, reflection, and community involvement. A sponsor will accompany each person throughout this jouney. Those who officially enter this process to prepare for Baptism are called CATECHUMENS.
Baptized Adults From Another Christian Denomination
The OCIA also welcomes those who have already been baptized in another denomination but desire to become Catholic in full communion with the Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Those who enter this process and are already baptized are
called CANDIDATES. We recognize that even though the Candidates go through the same process together with the Catechumens, they are already part of our Christian community through their Baptism.
Adult Confirmation For Catholics
THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS who have been baptized in the Catholic Church and received First Holy Communion at a young age, is conferred by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier twice a year. One in a local Parish (selected by rotation) and the second time at the Cathedral Basilica in Saint Augustine. The next celebration of Confirmation for Adults in our Diocese will take place on:
Adult Confirmation Dates for 2027:
Saturday, January 16 at 5:00 pm
(Epiphany Parish, Lake City)
Sunday, May 16 at 2:00 pm (Cathedral Basilica)
Holy Faith is taking registrations now for adults 18 years or older who wish to be Confirmed. Preparation sessions are required by the Diocese. Please contact us to register and to get the instructions for the preparation sessions and the documents needed. (Contact us )
If you have been baptized in the Catholic Church and need to complete Confirmation and First Communion please contact us before registering. (Contact us)
Children 7 years or Older
are also considered part of the "adult" community and the Catholic Church requires that they go through the same process of Initiation in the OCIA. Although the stages and rituals of this process are the same as for the adults, their catechesis varies according to their age and their level of maturity. Their requirements also are slightly different in length, content, and experiences.
for more information please contact us
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INQUIRY
for all of the above
Inquiry Is the first stage of the OCIA where there is no commitment. People ask questions and reflect on their faith story and where is God calling them. Holy Faith Church offers the
opportunity every
Wednesday at 7:00 pm
in the Parish Life Center
for those seeking God to come and explore where the Spirit is leading them. Everyone considering baptism or, already baptized and considering full communion with the Catholic Church is welcome to come, listen, share, and enjoy!
You can contact us to let us know you are coming or
Just walk-in! Always welcomed!

