The OCIA program will resume for the 2024-2025 year beginning September 26th, 2024. The Office of Christian Initiation of Adults is for those 17 years old and above who want to take a closer look at the Catholic faith.

If interested, please contact the rectory at 508-883-6726 or contact Celeste Oliver (774-287-6090, [email protected]) or Bert Galipeau (508-944-9774, [email protected])  or Sue Bowab (401-766-3951, [email protected]) for more information. 

Adults who come to our parish doors saying, “I want to be Catholic or I want to be confirmed and receive first Eucharist ,” are indeed seeking something.

All that is required is a sincere desire to learn, to grow, and to develop one’s relationship with God.

The OCIA (Office of Christian Initiation of Adults) is design to welcome new members or returning Catholics into the church and at the same time deepen and renew the faith of the entire church community. This process includes several stages marked by prayer, study, and discussion. It is a process rather than an educational program.

The OCIA process can be applied to the following 3 groups.

Unbapitzed:
Persons (age of discretion: 7+ years) who have never been baptized and who need a process to help them grow in awareness to God’s call to conversion as well as ways to respond to that call. They are considered catechumens.

Baptized in Another Christian Church:
Those who were baptized into an another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. They are considered candidates. For baptized Christians interested in possibly joining the Catholic Church, the process will vary depending upon the depth on one’s religious and spiritual readiness.

Baptized but uncatechized Catholic Adults:
Persons who were baptized as infants and not given any or received some religious instruction in the Catholic faith. These adults will be prepared to celebrate the sacraments of penance, confirmation and Eucharist. They are also considered candidates.

Remember one needs to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation , And Eucharist to be a Godparent or Confirmation sponsor.
If you have questions or desire more information about the Catholic faith and the OCIA journey: contact the office and ask to speak to the Pastor or the director of faith formation.