Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

FAQs

What does OCIA stand for?
It stands for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (as of Advent 2024).  The process used to be known as RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. They changed the name to “Order” because an order denotes a group of people within the church. Those in OCIA are discerning together if the Lord is calling them to become Catholic.

When and where do the OCIA sessions meet?
The OCIA sessions are held on Tuesday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at St. Mary's.  A new class starts at the beginning of every semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Email Kevin if you are interested in starting or fill out the form above! If you have a conflict on Tuesday nights, alternatives are available.

How long does the OCIA process last?
For most people the process lasts for two semesters.

How do I register?
You can register the first week of OCIA, and there is no cost to attend.  If you are planning to start, send Kevin an email and he will remind you when we get closer to starting and where you are meeting.

Who should attend the classes?
OCIA is for adults who want to be baptized, baptized Christians of other faith traditions who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or becoming Catholic, and baptized Catholics who have not yet received their first Communion and/or Confirmation.

Can non-students join the program?
Please read our new enrollment policy (enacted January 2023). If you are not currently associated with Texas A&M, Blinn, or Rellis as a student or faculty/staff member but are interested in our program, you will need to schedule a meeting with the OCIA Director to discuss your options. St. Mary’s as a whole as well as our OCIA classes are primarily geared towards students, and they are our first priority and our perspectives are geared towards them. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church does have adult sessions each semester as well.

Are you high-pressure about becoming Catholic?
Not at all. We want to assist you in discerning God's will for your life at this time. There is no pressure at all. We will help you through prayer, answering questions, and talking with you. We are merely here to help in whatever way we can.

Do you need proof of completion of a baptism class that you attended here at St. Mary's?
Fill out the form here.

What if I have another question? Please contact Kevin if you have any questions or fill out the form at the top of this page.

Here is some advice from previous students who have gone through the OCIA process:

• Just show up to one class. God will show you everything you need to see to become closer to Him. It may not be the actual presentation in class that speaks to you, it could be the conversations with your table or even just seeing a group of people who want to know more about the Lord.

• Go in with an open heart and open mind. Don’t put a box on God. Don’t limit what He can do in your life. The people at St. Mary’s are there to love on you and help you through life. Be patient with yourself. Allow Christ to love on you.

• OCIA isn’t just for people who are sure they want to join the church! In fact, I would say the majority don’t know! The leaders of this program are here to walk with you wherever you are at. It’s low pressure and very insightful! That being said, I would invite you to keep an open mind and ask lots of questions!

• Don’t be scared. Do it when you feel ready but just know He is waiting for you with open arms.

• Truly listen. You may think you know about something but try to set aside your thoughts for a moment and truly listen and evaluate what the speakers, sponsors, table leaders, and others have to say. You can always decide what you think about something, but while in OCIA keep your mind, ears, and heart open and you may be surprised by the ways God speaks to you. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions or for help. My first time I attended adoration during my OCIA journey I had no idea what to do, but I was able to ask my sponsor about it and she helped me through it. Everyone involved in OCIA is there for you. Ask questions, ask for help, and don't be afraid to be vulnerable.

• There is no harm in going once, even if you don't think it is right for you. It is a process, one that can be taken at your own pace.

• Try it - why not? You will be able to learn more by speaking with other people compared to if you only do research on your own.

• I know that the Media and society portrays the Catholic Church as this place of idolatry, hypocrisy, and is un-biblical. But please understand that this is not true, but a massive misunderstanding. There is an amazing Quote by ven. Fulton Sheen. That goes like this “there are not one hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be”

• The point of OCIA should be to ask questions! You can go and just listen, but listen with a curious heart. Don't be afraid to share what you think does not make sense or when seems wrong to you. At this point, I am confident that there is a right answer or reasoning where ever you go in the Church, because I was so set on asking about everything and not holding back thoughts on my journey here.

• Embrace the relationships with those at your table. They may be able to relate to you more than you know. Even if something feels very unbelievable, have conversations and pray every single day for God to lead you away from the Catholic Church if that is His desire for you. He will lead you away if you are not supposed to be there.

• Keep an open mind & open heart. Be receptive to what’s being said, even if it’s something completely new to you. If something doesn’t make sense, ASK QUESTIONS! Ask all the questions, and really think about the answers.

• Pray. Pray. Pray. Joining OCIA should first and foremost be an individual decision, and not one that someone should feel compelled or pressured to do. My greatest piece of advice is not to wait. Especially at St. Mary's, starting to attend OCIA does not pressure you to become Catholic. However, this is the absolute best resource to learn more. I can remember spending hours online to understand before I chose to join OCIA. Once I joined, I gained an extreme wealth of knowledge and was able to pray and discern if choosing to convert was the decision I wanted to make.

• Pray about it, and be honest and open with the Lord, and he will guide you closer to himself. Then, throughout the whole process, regular prayer has to be a part of the journey or you will go astray.

• There's a reason you're entertaining the idea of OCIA. I'm a firm believer that there is no such thing as coincidences, for they're just strategic plans of a loving God. If you feel called to OCIA, what are you waiting for? Try to hone in on the reason you're intrigued and see if it's worth pursuing. At the very least, the elimination of "what if's" can lead to "thank the LORD for giving me the courage to pursue scary things."

• If you have considered it even once, go ahead and give it a try. Nobody traps you or forces you to stay. The worst that can happen is you decide it is not for you. And hey, you will at least get a couple of free snacks.

• Pray, pray, and pray. And visit the Eucharist