OCIA
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
The Holy Trinity OCIA Ministry
The Catholic Church warmly welcomes those who are seeking to join its faith community. At Holy Trinity, we offer the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) — a process of study, reflection, and discernment for adults exploring Catholicism and considering becoming Catholic.
This journey involves classroom learning about the faith, participating in parish life, and preparing to receive the sacraments. OCIA is open to baptized Catholic adults who have not yet received Communion and/or Confirmation, and those coming from another faith, whether they have been baptized or not.
- All Inquirers will need to make a 1-on-1 appointment with Bri Magro before the first day of classes, to go over the program, hand in records including birth certificates, and baptismal documents if applicable. This is a great opportunity to bring questions regarding the program, and discuss anything that may hinder a candidate’s progress such as past marriages and work related travel.
For more information, please email [email protected] or call the church office at 214-526- 8555
Who Can Apply?
The Process
01
Inquiry & Initial Learning
Over a period of twelve weeks individuals who are interested in the Catholic Faith explore the core beliefs of the Church, its sacraments, rituals and a brief overview of its history. This is a period of open discussion where inquirers are strongly encouraged to question the faith and what becoming Catholic really means.
02
Commitment and Deeper Formation — the Catechumenate
Once a participant has completed the Inquiry phase they are invited to affirm their decision to continue the conversion journey and move to a new class, “the Catechumenate” which is a period of intense study and reflection. While the length of this period is determined by the candidate and their journey. The full course length is 12 months, during which participants are expected to engage more actively with the parish community through weekly OCIA classes, service opportunities, liturgical celebrations, and mass attendance.
03
Preparation and Sacraments
Near the end of the Catechumenate, participants will begin deeper preparations for the sacraments they are to receive. This is a period of prayer, reflection and understanding. It culminates in the Sacramental Mass where Candidates and Catechumens receive their Sacraments and are brought into full Communion with the Church.
04
Ongoing Faith Formation
After the Sacramental mass where all participants receive Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion as it is relevant to their particular situation, the Neophytes (New Catholics) enter a period called “Mystagogy”, an 8 week series that focuses on opportunities within the church to continue in Spiritual growth through community, service and vocations. Each class will be led by a new speaker, or group of speakers representing their programs or vocations.
Important Things You Should Know
I’m engaged to marry a Catholic and we want to be married in the Catholic church. What should I do?
We encourage your interest in marrying in the church, but discourage entry into the OCIA process for the sole purpose of marriage in the Church. Since initiation into the faith is a long-term commitment, we suggest you proceed with the marriage then enter the OCIA process after careful thought and prayer.
What documents are required for becoming Catholic?
Baptized Christians of another faith will need a copy of their baptismal record. Copies of marriage certificates and decrees of annulment in the Church may be required if appropriate.
When Does The Process Start?
Our next Inquiry phase will begin on September 13th. Our new OCIA program allows us to operate on rotating cycle with new Inquiry Phases every 4 months. Our Inquiry phases in 2027 will start on January 3rd, May 16th, and September 12th.
How can I volunteer as a leader for OCIA?
We welcome anyone who wishes to support the process to reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]. We have a number of roles, including Catechists, Service coordinators, facilitators, and administrators that are always in need of additional volunteers! Volunteers must be 18 or older, have Safe Environment clearance, and be a confirmed Catholic.
Why does the Process Take So Long?
The process of becoming Catholic through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is intentionally designed to take time because entering into the life of the Church is more than simply learning information or completing a class. Receiving the Sacraments of the Catholic Church requires ongoing catechesis, prayer, reflection, and spiritual formation.
The Church desires for each person entering OCIA to truly understand the faith they are embracing and to build a strong foundation for a lifelong relationship with Christ and His Church. Throughout the process, participants are given time to grow in faith, ask questions, explore Church teaching, and develop a deeper understanding of Catholic life and discipleship.
OCIA is meant to be a journey of conversion, not simply preparation for a ceremony. The goal is that those completing the process leave not only informed, but spiritually prepared to live the Catholic faith in the real world — equipped to face challenges, doubts, questions, and setbacks with confidence, understanding, and a strong connection to the Church community.
What if I’m married civilly, divorced, or divorced and remarried?
If you were married in a civil ceremony or if you are divorced, or divorced and remarried, the Church may require an annulment or convalidation. Your circumstances should be addressed before beginning OCIA with a priest of the Parish to discuss your specific circumstances.
What about attendance?
Regular participation is strongly encouraged at all Sunday meetings, days of prayer and community service events. Attendance is viewed as a commitment to the process. Please feel free to discuss any attendance conflicts with one of the OCIA team members.
Can/Does anyone help me?
You will be paired with a sponsor to help you throughout the initiation process. Sponsors are fully initiated Catholics chosen from the Holy Trinity community. Spouses or fiancées may assist the participant, but are not encouraged to act as their sponsor. The OCIA team is always available to answer questions and to select your sponsor.
Those who seek the sacrament of Baptism may choose a godparent in addition to their sponsor. Details will be explained during the process
How can I learn more?
reach out to [email protected]
Holidays and Breaks
Our OCIA program takes regular breaks for holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Labor Day. We also take a 4 week break for the Summer, and 2 weeks for Spring break. We do not take off for most Monday holidays such as Columbus Day.