Becoming Catholic - OCIA

The OCIA (Order for Christian Initiation for Adults) is the usual journey of approximately 12-18 months for adults to receive the Sacraments (visible and tangible realities of God's presence) of Initiation in the Catholic Church - Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist. It is in fact the beginning of a lifelong journey for seekers to the Catholic Faith - to find a home and to be nourished with God's love in their lives. 

The journey involves getting to know God in an individual's personal and communal life through sharing sessions in the learning of faith (Catechism), preparation over the Season of Lent to be Elected/Called  to the Sacraments of Initiation and Self-Reflection (Scrutinies) and finally, receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist in the presence of the entire community of the parish faithful at the Easter Vigil Mass of Light.

The New Catholics (Neophytes) are further accompanied after Easter to participate in parish and Archdiocesan of Wellington wide activities that deepen their prayer life as well as their growing connection and relationship with God.

The parish OCIA team is formed to cater and accompany those who have never been Baptised, to those who have been Baptised in another Christian Denomination (i.e. Anglican, Presbyterian) but wish to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church as Candidates. The journey will follow a similar course, except that Candidates are not Baptised again once the Sacramental Preparation is complete - they will be received into the Catholic Church by the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist.

OCIA Information Evening: for individuals wishing to become baptised Catholics, or those who have already been baptised and would like to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist, sessions will be held on Tuesday 9 June and Saturday 13 June at 7:00pm at St Francis of Assisi Ohariu Parish Church. For more information, please contact our OCIA Co-ordinator Lead, Ning Ibarra: ocia@stfrancisohariu.nz