Becoming Catholic or Returning to the Church
Welcome to OCIA
OCIA: the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which someone joins the Catholic Church and receives the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and/or First Communion (Eucharist).
G.K. Chesterton, an early 20th Century convert to Catholicism, said, “The Church is a house with a hundred gates: and no two men enter at exactly the same angle.” You might have been baptized Catholic and need your first communion or confirmation, or you are a strong non-Catholic Christian exploring Catholicism, or you are from another faith tradition or no faith at all. No matter where you are coming from, the OCIA program can offer you answers to your questions, a welcoming community, and a home in the Catholic faith.
At the sessions, we discuss the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith in a friendly and open atmosphere to facilitate authentic discussions about our faith, provide opportunities for fellowship, prepare those interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. These sessions also help you find a place in our parish community, and develop a rich prayer life and an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our sessions meet on Wednesday nights 7:00-9:00pm starting August 6, 2025. If you are interested in becoming Catholic or are already Catholic but have not received First Communion or been confirmed, please fill out the inquiry form linked below.
If you have any questions please contact, Brenden Bell at ocia@olmctempe.com for more information. We encourage anyone who intends to join, to reach out throughout the year so we can help you get ready for this beautiful process.
Ways to Support OCIA!
The new and returning Catholics need your support throughout the OCIA process. Here are four ways you can help.
Join the OCIA Team
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is more than just a catechetical or sacrament preparation program, it is a training in the Christian life and an introduction into the Church. The role of the OCIA Core Team is to make a welcoming environment where new or returning Catholics can grow in their faith and prepare for the sacraments. The Core Team assists the OCIA Director during the formation sessions by engaging the participants and helping to guide them on this journey of faith.
Fund a Candidate
In OCIA, we provide participants with a number of resources (Bible, Catechism, etc.) which cost about $100 per person. We ask that you financially support a Candidate or Catechumen by equipping them with important resources to grow in faith and discipleship. Click the link below to donate. Thank you for your generosity.
Become a Sponsor
Each OCIA catechumen/candidate needs a sponsor for baptism and/or Confirmation. A sponsor is a practicing Catholic who can be an example and mentor for the candidate. The sponsor accompanies the candidate and stands witness to the candidate's faith. Some candidates might find it difficult to find a sponsor, especially if they are new to the Catholic faith. We need practicing Catholics who are willing to be sponsors for those who need them. Fill out the application in the link below.
Pray for the Candidates and Catechumens in the OCIA Program
Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who left the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. You sent your Apostles out into the world to preach the good news to all nations, and since then, you have never ceased to call new people into your Church. We ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon those you are now calling to enter or return to your Church. Give them the courage to seek you Lord as you have first sought them. Give us all the courage to invite and encourage those in our lives who are in need of your grace and truth.
Purify and bless those Candidates and Catechumens who are currently in OCIA preparing to receive your blessed Sacraments this Easter. Grant them knowledge of the faith and let them grow in trust and love of you. Remove all obstacles in their path and fill them with the joy of your Resurrection. Reveal to them the tender love of the Father and patient intercession of your Blessed Mother. Help us to welcome them into the Christian community and be examples to them of faith, hope and love.
We ask this in your name Lord Jesus. Amen.
