The Catholic Church always welcomes new members into its community. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the liturgical process in which interested adults may explore Catholicism over time in a friendly, relaxed environment and eventually enter into the Catholic faith.

OCIA is a special time set aside to grow in our understanding of ourselves and our faith, to share stories of our encounters with God, and to build community relationships. Weekly meetings provide an opportunity for prayer, discussion, and reflection. These meetings, together with the experience of worshipping at St. John Neumann, can help you find your spiritual home.

If you have any questions about OCIA or would like to schedule an informational meeting, please contact Jean Lupinacci or at 703-390-2340.

We invite you to grow with us as a people of faith in the Roman Catholic tradition. Come and see!

FAQs about Becoming Catholic (OCIA) at St. John Neumann Catholic Church

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) offers individuals who may wish to enter the Catholic Church an opportunity to examine the faith in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. A team of lay parishioners and clergy welcome new participants at any time during the year.

OCIA is not a course or class in Catholicism. Rather, it is a gradual, guided period of formation and conversion leading participants toward initiation into the Catholic Church. Initiation into the Church is marked by the celebration of three sacraments as needed: baptism, confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

Who is OCIA for?

First, OCIA is for those adults who have not been baptized in a Christian faith tradition. Through prayer, reflection, and participation in liturgy you enter the Christian church through baptism. Easter is the usual time for adult baptism in the Catholic Church. At the time of your baptism, you complete your initiation into the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.

Second, OCIA is for those adults who have been baptized in another Christian denomination. Through a period of formation that includes prayer and participation in liturgy candidates are received into full communion of the Catholic Church by a Profession of Faith and the celebration of the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist at a Sunday Mass.

Third, OCIA is for those adults who have been baptized in the Catholic Church but have not celebrated the other sacraments of initiation. The celebration of confirmation and Eucharist at a Sunday Mass will complete your journey into the Church.

When does OCIA meet?

The initial period of OCIA is called Inquiry, wherein participants explore the beginnings of their faith journey. Inquiry sessions take place Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the parish. During this time, you discern whether or not you wish to continue in the process of becoming Catholic.

After a period of discernment, participants may then join the Catechumenate, wherein the teachings of the Catholic Church are discussed within the context of prayer, scripture, and the liturgy. Catechumenate sessions are Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the parish. Catechumens (those unbaptized) also participate in the Rite of Dismissal, which takes place each Sunday at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Following the homily, the Catechumens are “dismissed” from the liturgy with the prayers of the assembly to reflect further on the day’s scripture readings.

How long does it take to become Catholic?

Because each person’s faith journey is unique, it is difficult to give a time frame. OCIA is not a course of study, but a gradual period of formation and conversion that cannot be rushed. If you have not been baptized, you probably will be in the catechumenate period for a full year. Keep in mind that adult baptism is celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass.

If you already have been baptized, you may require less time depending on the faith formation you previously received and your present involvement in the practice of your faith. We want to listen to your needs and wishes, as well as to offer you the opportunity fully to discern God’s call at this important moment in your life. Time is needed for your faith formation. All we ask is that you be open to the process.

Is there any cost to participate in OCIA?

No, there is no charge to participate. We will provide you with all necessary materials.

Who is a sponsor?

A sponsor is an active St. John Neumann parishioner who is willing to be a friend, a listener, and a guide, and who will participate in OCIA with you. The team will assign a sponsor to accompany you on your faith journey, although you may recommend a parishioner to us. Sponsors need to be practicing Catholic members of St. John Neumann parish. The team prefers that fiancés and family members do not serve as sponsors. Read more about the role of an OCIA sponsor here.

What if I get started and decide this isn’t for me?

Faith in God and the decision to become a member of the Catholic Church are personal choices that must be made in an atmosphere of complete freedom. We will try our best to help you understand what it means to be a Catholic Christian. However, we believe that you must be allowed to use God’s gifts of conscience and free will without feeling any pressure from us.

How do I get started?

St. John Neumann welcomes new OCIA participants at any time during the year. Please contact the parish’s Director of Faith Formation, Jean Lupinacci (703-390-2340), jlupinacci@saintjn.org to set up an informational meeting.