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Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly RCIA) is the normative process by which adults are gradually introduced to the Catholic faith and sacramental life. Rooted in Sacred Scripture, guided by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and sustained by prayer and the support of the Christian community, this journey mirrors the ancient catechumenal formation of the early Church (cf. RCIA, nos. 1–5).
This process is intended for:- Unbaptized adults, who seek to receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.
- Baptized non-Catholic Christians, who desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church through a profession of faith, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
- Baptized Catholics, who have not yet completed their sacraments of initiation (Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion).
In accordance with OCIA, Part II:2, the Church also provides a parallel process for children and youth of catechetical age (age 7-17). This adapted OCIA process includes:- Unbaptized children and adolescents, who will be prepared to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
- Baptized but uncatechized youth, particularly in middle or high school, who have not yet received First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation and seek deeper formation in the Catholic faith.
As the Catechism teaches, “The sacraments of Christian initiation lay the foundations of every Christian life… they confer the graces needed for salvation” (CCC, no. 1212). Therefore, we ask that all families participating in OCIA Adapted be registered and actively involved in the life of St. Martin de Porres Parish. Recognizing that parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith (CCC, no. 2223), your active participation in the formation process is both vital and required. -
Sessions: Sundays: 1:00PM-2:30PM | Portable B - Room 2
Register below:
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Godparent/Sponsors:
Each Inquirer shares your journey with a Catholic godparent or sponsor.
- Godparent/sponsor must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be fully initiated Catholics (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist).
- Lead a life of faith, including being married in the Catholic Church if married, or not cohabiting if single.
- Engaged in ministry.
- Must accompany you during the sessions and attend Mass with you each week here at St. Martin de Porres.
If you know of a Catholic with whom you would like to share this experience, please mention this to the OCIA Director. Your parent, spouse, fiancé/e, boyfriend or girlfriend. cannot be your godparent or sponsor. There are also parish volunteers waiting to serve in this capacity. If you don’t know a Catholic to choose to sponsor you we will match you with a member from our parish family.
Begin your journey of faith... - Godparent/sponsor must:
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Interested in learning more?
Contact us today:
Maria Gonzalez
Sacramental Preparation Administrative Assistant
mgonzalez@saintmartindp.org
Greysi Bargas
Director of Religious Education
gbargas@saintmartindp.org