OCIA (RCIA) What to Expect: A Guide to Becoming Catholic

If you’re wondering what to expect in OCIA, the short answer is this: a season of learning, prayer and community, marked by a few public rites, that usually leads to receiving the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly called RCIA in the US) is how adults become Catholic. Most parishes meet weekly, and the pace is set by your readiness, not a deadline. Here’s the whole journey in order, plus the questions most people are too shy to ask.

OCIA vs RCIA: what changed?

RCIA stood for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. With the Church’s updated English translation of the ritual, the name in the United States is now OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. The process is essentially the same. You’ll still hear both names, and many parish websites use them interchangeably.

Who OCIA is for: catechumens and candidates

The first thing your parish will ask about is baptism, because it changes your path.

	Catechumen	Candidate
Who	Someone who has never been baptized	Someone already validly baptized in another Christian community, or a baptized Catholic who hasn’t completed initiation
Sacraments received	Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion	Confirmation and First Holy Communion (baptism is not repeated)
Confession first?	No; baptism washes away all sins	Yes, usually before reception or Confirmation
When	Usually at the Easter Vigil	Often at the Easter Vigil, though some parishes receive candidates at other times

If you were baptized in another Christian church, bring your baptismal certificate or any record you have. Your parish will help confirm what’s needed. If you’ve been married before, mention it early. Your OCIA director or pastor will explain whether anything needs to be resolved first, and it’s far easier to start that conversation in the fall than in Lent.

The stages of OCIA, in order

The Church describes four periods, separated by three main rites (often called steps). Schedules vary a lot by parish, so take this as the general shape.

1. Inquiry (Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate)

This is the “come and see” stage. You ask questions, hear the basics of the faith, and decide whether to continue. There’s no commitment yet. Many parishes run inquiry sessions year-round; others start in late summer or fall.

First step: Rite of Acceptance (or Welcoming)

At a Sunday Mass, catechumens are accepted into the Order of Catechumens and candidates are welcomed. You’ll be signed with the cross and receive a warm welcome from the parish.

2. The Catechumenate

This is the longest stage, often several months to a year or more. You’ll study the creed, the sacraments, the moral life and prayer, often following along with the Sunday readings. Catechumens are frequently dismissed after the homily at Mass to reflect on the Word with a catechist, since they don’t yet receive the Eucharist. Practice varies by parish.

Second step: Rite of Election (or Call to Continuing Conversion)

Usually held on or near the First Sunday of Lent, often at the cathedral with the bishop. Catechumens’ names are written in the Book of the Elect, and from then on they’re called “the elect.” Candidates take part in a similar rite.

3. Purification and Enlightenment (Lent)

A season of prayer and preparation rather than more classes. The elect take part in the scrutinies, prayers for healing and strength, usually on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent. Candidates typically celebrate the sacrament of Penance during this time.

Third step: Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil

On Holy Saturday night, the elect are baptized, confirmed and receive the Eucharist. Candidates make a profession of faith and are confirmed and receive Communion. Expect a long, beautiful liturgy that starts after dark. Ask your parish what to wear and what time to arrive.

4. Mystagogy

After Easter, you continue meeting, at least through the Easter season to Pentecost, to reflect on the sacraments and find your place in parish life.

OCIA: what to expect at a typical session

Most parishes meet weekly, often on a weeknight or after Sunday Mass, for 60 to 90 minutes. A session might include:

• An opening prayer
• A talk or video on one topic (the Trinity, the Mass, Mary, the sacraments)
• Small-group discussion
• Time for questions

OCIA is usually free. Bring a notebook, a Bible if you have one, and your honest questions. Nobody expects you to know everything. If the Mass itself feels confusing, our guide to what happens at a Catholic Mass and our stand, sit and kneel guide are good first reads.

Sponsors, names and other questions

Do I need a sponsor? Yes. A sponsor walks with you through the process and stands with you at the rites. Church law asks that a sponsor be a practicing Catholic who is at least 16 (a diocese can set a different age), has received Confirmation and the Eucharist, and isn’t your parent. If you don’t know anyone, your parish can usually pair you with someone.

Do I pick a saint’s name? Many people choose a Confirmation saint, and some take that saint’s name. Whether the name is used in the rite varies by parish and diocese.

What if I’m not ready by Easter? That’s okay. The Church wants you to be ready, not rushed. Talk with your OCIA director; you can continue another year.

Can I go to Communion before Easter? Not yet. Until you’re received, come forward with arms crossed for a blessing if your parish does that, or stay in the pew and pray. Both are fine.

A companion for the year

Our Becoming Catholic OCIA Companion is a printable guide for the person in the middle of it all. It walks through every period and rite in order, compares catechumens and candidates side by side, prepares you for a first confession (with an examination of conscience), explains 40 Catholic terms in plain English, includes a section for sponsors, and flags what varies from parish to parish. There are notes pages for sessions and a place to collect questions for your catechist. It’s an independent resource, not an official Church text, and it doesn’t replace your parish’s formation.

It also makes a thoughtful gift for a sponsor to give. For something to mark the Easter Vigil itself, browse our Saint Amelia’s Gift Boutique.

FAQ

How long does OCIA take?

Often about a year, from inquiry in the fall to the Easter Vigil, followed by mystagogy. Some people take longer. Your parish will set a pace that fits your situation.

Is OCIA the same as RCIA?

Yes. OCIA is the current name in the US for what used to be called RCIA. The process is the same.

Do I have to be baptized again to become Catholic?

No, if you were validly baptized in another Christian church. Baptism is received only once. Your parish will check your baptismal record.

Do I have to go to confession before becoming Catholic?

Candidates who are already baptized usually go to confession before being received. Catechumens do not, because baptism forgives all sins.

Can I start OCIA any time of year?

Many parishes welcome inquirers year-round, while others start in late summer or fall. Call or visit your parish office to ask.