Our Sacramental Life

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and  of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all  that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with  you always, until the end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:19-20
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process for men and women to become baptized members of the Catholic Church. Candidates are gradually introduced to Catholic beliefs and practices.

If you wish to become a Roman Catholic, or complete your Initiation into the Church, then OCIA is for you. Through weekly sessions, non-Christian adults are prepared for Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist, which takes place at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Important Information
For more information, contact the Religious Formation Office at (201) 438-2200 x 1140 or email religiousformation@stmaryrutherford.org.

What are the steps of OCIA?

Adults who are not baptized and wish to become members of the Roman Catholic Church should follow the complete process of initiation as outlined in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. 

They are to:

  • Participate in the pre-catechumenate.
  • Be chosen for entrance into the catechumenate in the Rite of Acceptance.
  • Participate in the catechumenate for a suitable period of time, a least one calendar year.
  • Participate in the Rite of Election celebrated in the Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent.
  • Observe Lent as a time of purification and enlightenment.
  • Participate in the Scrutinies and the Presentations.
  • Receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.
  • Observe the season of Easter as a time of post-baptismal catechesis (i.e. mystagogy).
More Information

Resources for people wishing to undergo OCIA

Do you need more information on the OCIA process? Click the buttons below to go to the Archdiocese of Newark Office of Divine Worship web site. If you cannot find the information you’re looking for, please contact the Church of Saint Mary Religious Formation Office at (201) 438-2200 x 1140.