The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formally known as RCIA, is the normal way in which adults who express a desire to become fully initiated Catholics engage in a process of conversion, receive basic catechetical instruction, and are welcomed into the Catholic community.

Anyone who has not already been baptized may receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Adults, as well as children of catechetical age (about 7 or older), who seek Baptism participate in the OCIA.

While the OCIA is primarily intended for those who have not been previously baptized, it is also adapted for those baptized in other Christian communities who wish to become Catholic, and for those baptized Catholics who, for whatever reason, never received Confirmation and Eucharist as children and now wish to complete their Christian initiation. Catholics, who have received Baptism and Eucharist, but not Confirmation, are not candidates for the OCIA. They participate in a separate Adult Confirmation process.

Our parish RCIA meets each week throughout the year at 10:45 am in the Parish Center. One of the priests or other catechists joins the group for a weekly catechetical lesson. Catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (baptized) attend our Sunday Noon Mass. After the homily, they are dismissed to participate in an extended reflection on the Scriptures with members of our OCIA Team.

If you have been thinking about becoming a Catholic or completing your Sacraments of Initiation, please contact DEACON pat gutsick for more info at:
[email protected].

If you are a fully initiated adult Catholic in good standing and you are interested in sharing your faith as a sponsor or as a member of the OCIA Team, please contact Fr. Matt at F[email protected] or Deacon Pat Gutsick at DeaconPatrick@StPeterNewBrunswick.org.

For information about the RCIA adapted for children of catechetical age, please contact Deacon Pat Gutsick at: [email protected].