OCIA
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Join Our OCIA Program!OCIA classes for the 2026-27 year are hosted weekly on Wednesday evenings in Harkins Hall at Saint Anne Church.This program is a a journey of conversion and initiation into the Catholic Church. It offers a supportive space to encounter God and respond to His invitation to a new way of life in the Faith. Rooted in respect for each person's unique faith journey, our program provides time for prayer, study, and fellowship, allowing individuals to grow in their relationship with God and our parish community.If you have any questions or are interested in joining, please call our Pastoral Associate, Erin Colcombe, at 412-531-5964.
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Who Is OCIA For?
- Those interested in learning about the Catholic Church.
- Those who have never been baptized.
- Those who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition and are now interested in becoming Catholic.
- Those who were baptized in the Catholic Church, but did not receive First Communion and/or Confirmation.
What If I'm Still Hesitant?Feel free to call or email Erin Colcombe or Father Joe at 412-531-5964 to discuss your particular concern or situation. There will be no obligation or commitment and your confidentiality will be respected. OCIA is a process that encourages discernment through prayer and conversation. We will respect the conscience and decision of every inquirer if they decide not to continue the process at any point.
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OCIA Adapted for Children and TeensChildren who are age 7 and older and who have not been baptized in the Catholic church, or were baptized in another Christian denomination, are invited into the process of Christian initiation adapted for children. This process will prepare young people who are not baptized and their families for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
For children who were baptized in another Christian denomination, the process will prepare them to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Preparation sessions for children and teens will be age appropriate and separate from the adults in OCIA. The participation of parents is an essential in preparation for their child/teen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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You need only be interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic. There is no minimum degree of commitment required simply to begin the process. We welcome you to come with your questions and to share in conversation about what it means to live the Christian life in the Catholic tradition.
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Feeling unsure at times is natural. After all, moving in the direction of joining a particular faith community is a significant step. It is always a good idea to speak with the pastor in the process to understand the source of your doubt. If you remain uncertain and feel that now is not the right time to explore becoming Catholic, you are always free to leave the process. If you step away from the process and later decide you want to return, you will always be welcome.
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The first step is to come and learn more. Anyone who is interested in exploring the Catholic Church is welcome to come to the weekly Inquiry Sessions, where individuals may ask questions and gather information. No commitments are required during this time. The inquiry sessions are intended to help each person decide whether s/he wants to consider fuller participation in the Catholic faith community. Contact Erin Colcombe to schedule a time for an inquiry conversation.
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The length of time can vary depending on when an individual feels ready with discernment of prayer and conversation with the pastor. While there is no defined length of time for an unbaptized person who is considering initiation to be a catechumen, the period generally extends for at least one year. Generally, the final period of preparation for sacraments coincides with the six weeks of Lent, which precedes the celebration of Easter. The rites of initiation – the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist – are celebrated at the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter Sunday). Although, sacraments can be received at any time of the year depending on when a person begins their inquiry and when they are ready to be received.
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This is determined on an individual basis, which means that when baptized candidates for full communion are received into the Catholic Church will depend on their individual readiness. Unlike the rites of initiation for the unbaptized, the Order of Reception of Baptized Christians is not tied to a particular liturgical season or feast, so it may be celebrated at various times of the year, but preferably at the Easter Vigil.
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No. The OCIA is a process of faith formation, catechesis (teaching of the faith), and spiritual growth. While reading/resources will be suggested and recommended, there are no requirements like one might have when taking a formal course.
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No worries. We understand these conflicts. We will make sure that you receive missed handouts and that one of the catechists or other facilitators can be available to you to answer questions and talk about the session that you missed.
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Inquiry
The initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You're asking questions and checking it out, but aren't yet ready to commit.
Catechumenate
Those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you're developing your faith and are being "catechized"—learning catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.
Purification and Preparation
The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. If you're following the OCIA process, you'll go through a beautiful series of Gospel-based meditations during Lent.
Initiation
The culmination of the whole process! You're received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where you'll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. (If you've already been baptized, you won't be baptized again.) At St. Paul of the Cross Parish, First Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) is celebrated the Monday of Holy Week.
Mystagogy
After reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.
(This was adapted from beginningcatholic.com)
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Christian Initiation ResourcesHave questions about the Catholic Faith?
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Get FORMED in the Faith FORMED offers a complete selection of documentaries, books, movies, Bible studies and audio talks on all aspects of the Catholic Faith.
Registration is FREE when you sign up with Saint Paul of the Cross Parish! Here's how:- Click on "Formed For Individuals."
- Enter your email address.
- Find our parish by entering our zip code (15234) into the search field, then click on "St. Paul of the Cross" when it appears and click "Next."
- Enter your name and email address in the appropriate fields, then click "Sign Up.""
Exploring the beauty of the Catholic Faith has never been easier - at home, in the car, or from any internet-connected device! Discover thousands of content options... there's something for every member of the family to help them grow closer to Christ and His Church.
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United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)The USCCB is a wonderful place for those who wish to learn about the Catholic Church. Their website offers a plethora of Catholic resources, including the daily Mass readings, ways to find parishes near you, Catholic news, videos, and podcasts.
You can also learn about aspects of the Catholic faith like the sacraments and prayers. There are helpful guides for understanding the Bible and the Mass, as well as an online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, an authoritative reference book that summarizes the core doctrines, beliefs, and teachings of the Church.
To learn more about what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops shares regarding the OCIA process, please visit: www.usccb.org
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Beginning CatholicBeginning Catholic is an educational online resource for those who are interested in going through the OCIA program or want to learn more about the Catholic faith. It is a great starting place to dive into all the aspects of the faith with answers to common questions, access to and guidance for Catholic prayers, Catholic moral teachings, free downloadable eBooks, and more, all in one place.
Start exploring what Beginning Catholic has to offer at: www.beginningcatholic.comPlease note that OCIA used to be called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This change was made in 2021, but the old name is still used in this helpful resource.
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"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." — John 12:26
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