The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, the process by which adults enter the Catholic Church, has had a name change to Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, also know as OCIA. The change applies to both the process by which adults enter the church and the book that contains the liturgical text.
This change is a part of the continued effort to update liturgical texts to reflect greater fidelity to the original Latin. The name change also reflects the understanding that the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is not a single rite, but rather a collection of liturgical rites used for persons who are entering the Catholic Church. The revised text of the OCIA will be released in December, 2024.
 

Marriage and OCIA:

The OCIA Process at St. Stephen is year-round.  We welcome you to inquire any time of year.  A person's faith journey always begins with God's initiation. God's presence can feel like a knocking door, a curiosity, a sense of wonder, a longing for healing, and inner peace. Mysteriously, faith gradually changes from belief in something to belief in Someone with a desire to know that person even more.

In-person sessions begin September 14, 2025, with 9:30 am Mass then 10:45 am gathering session at the Family Life Center, Rooms 2 - 6.  If you have not had an opportunity to register, please complete the OCIA Registration/Information form below.  Also, please contact Rosie Bridges at 813-671-4434  or Rosie@ststephencatholic.org

                           Order of Christian Initiation of Adults | USCCB

Review the OCIA Process

OCIA Information/Registration Form 2025-2026

Godparent/Sponsor Eligibility Form 

OCIA Retreat Fee 

Parish Registration

OCIA for Youth (Middle & High School)

OCIA for Youth:  If you are a youth in Middle and High School and have not celebrated your Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist), please contact the Office of Faith Formation at 813-671-4434 for more information.  A Faith Formation Registration will need to be completed.

https://www.dosp.org/welcoming-you-with-open-arms/becoming-catholic/

• Unbaptized (catechumen)
• Baptized Christian (candidate)
• Baptized Catholic without First Eucharist and Penance (candidate)  

THE JOURNEY OF FAITH - AN INVITATION THAT NEVER ENDS! 

A Journey of Discovery into the Catholic Faith  

• Unbaptized (catechumen)
• Baptized Christian (candidate)
• Baptized Catholic without First Eucharist and Penance (candidate)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process for bringing into the Catholic Church both those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) and those who were baptized in a non-Catholic Church (Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church). OCIA also includes adult baptized Catholics who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation – Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.  

Unbaptized (catechumen) - Those who are not baptized will celebrate their Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.  

Baptized Christian (candidate) - Those who are baptized are brought into Full Communion of the Catholic Church during the year.   

Baptized Catholic without First Eucharist and Penance - (candidate) - OCIA also includes adult baptized Catholics who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation – Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.  

Do you know someone who has asked questions about the Catholic Faith?   Invite them to find out more about our OCIA Process here at St. Stephen.  Or a non-Catholic simply interested in learning more about the Catholic faith?  The goal of the OCIA process is the preparation of adults who wish to enter the Roman Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. You will learn about the beliefs, practices, and truths of our Catholic faith with a focus on spiritual growth. Our gatherings are held on Sunday morning beginning with Mass at 9:30 a.m.  After Mass we gather together at the Family Life Center.   We also offer Tuesday evening Inquiry online gatherings each week. 

OCIA for Youth:  If you are a youth in Middle and High School and have not celebrated your Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation & First Holy Communion) please contact the Office of Faith Formation for more information.  

Role of a Sponsor:   We Need You!
Sponsors:  Are you interested in volunteering to become a sponsor, being someone's companion on their spiritual journey?

If you would like to sponsor (be a companion) for a person coming into the Church, you are required to be at least 16 years of age and a confirmed practicing Catholic and if married, married in the Catholic Church. Please consider a rewarding ministry and discover how much you will learn as you walk with your candidate on this beautiful journey.  Please allow us to welcome you!
Please click to email Rosie at Rosie Bridges@ststephencatholic.org 
Office of Faith Formation