OCIA

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What is OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a vital process within the Catholic faith community. OCIA is designed to guide individuals on their journey toward becoming fully initiated members of the Church. At Notre Dame, we are privileged to offer sacramental preparation for students who wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, or Confirmation.

A Journey of Faith
OCIA is a process that encompasses various stages of learning about the Catholic faith. Participants engage in preparation for the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion—while also integrating into the Catholic community. This journey is marked by spiritual growth, prayer, and community involvement, allowing individuals to deepen their relationship with Christ and the Church.

Celebration of the Sacraments
Preparation for the sacraments occurs throughout the school year at times that best suit the students. The culmination of this journey is the celebration of the sacraments, which takes place during Notre Dame's Easter Liturgy in Holy Week, a significant time in the Catholic calendar.

Formerly Known as RCIA
Previously, this process was referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). However, in 2021, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops officially changed the name to OCIA to better reflect its purpose and the journey of faith it represents 

At Notre Dame, we are committed to supporting our students as they embark on this transformative journey, helping them to grow in faith and community as they prepare to receive the sacraments.