Whether you are exploring the Catholic faith for the first time, returning after time away, seeking Baptism, or hoping to complete your sacraments, we are glad you are here. Becoming Catholic is a journey of faith, prayer, learning, and community, and you do not have to take that journey alone. Most Blessed Sacrament is here to welcome you, walk with you, answer your questions, and help you take the next faithful step toward Jesus and His Church.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA, is the process of learning about the Catholic faith and preparing to receive the sacraments needed to enter more fully into the life of the Catholic Church.

Many people may know this process by its former names, “Rite of Christian Initiation,” “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults,” or “RCIA.” Today, the Church refers to this process as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

OCIA is for adults who are interested in becoming Catholic, adults who have never been baptized, baptized Christians who desire to enter the Catholic Church, and Catholics who still need to receive sacraments such as Confirmation or Eucharist.

The OCIA Journey: OCIA is not simply a class. It is a journey of faith, prayer, learning, conversion, and community. The process helps each person grow in readiness and commitment to living as a disciple of Jesus Christ within the Catholic Church.

The OCIA process includes four stages:
– Inquiry
– The Catechumenate
– Purification and Enlightenment
– Mystagogy

These stages help individuals learn about the faith, ask questions, pray, grow in community, and prepare to receive the sacraments. For many, the journey culminates at the Easter Vigil, the night before Easter, when the Church joyfully welcomes new members through the sacraments of initiation.

OCIA begins in September and continues through April. Sessions are held on Thursdays, from 7pm to 8:30pm.

For more information about OCIA, please email ocia@mbsptoledo.org.

Order of Christian Initiation for Children and Teens

It is increasingly common for children and teenagers to desire or need sacraments outside the typical timeline. Some may be seeking Baptism, some may need to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and others may be preparing to enter more fully into the Catholic Church.

At Most Blessed Sacrament, our Youth Faith Formation efforts offer the Order of Christian Initiation for Children, or OCIC. For simplicity, we use OCIC to refer to this process for both children and teenagers.

OCIC helps children, teens, and their families take the next step in faith with clarity, care, and support. The process is shaped around the needs of the young person, their sacramental history, their age, and their family’s situation.

To begin this process, please contact the Parish Office or Ryan Adamson, Director of Formation and Engagement.

Ryan Adamson
Director of Formation and Engagement
radamson@mbsptoledo.org
419-472-2288