OCIA and OCIC
Adults 18 and Older
OCIA
OCIA meets on Sundays at 8:45am, in the Activity Center Meeting Room. For more information, please email Meghan at Meghan.Fleming@archbalt.org.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the Catholic Church's process for welcoming those who are unbaptized or baptized in another Christian tradition and seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. This is a journey of prayer, reflection, and gradual conversion, marked by meaningful steps along the way. Do you know someone who regularly attends Mass but hasn’t taken the next step toward becoming Catholic? Maybe a friend who often brings up thoughtful questions about faith, God, or spirituality? Or perhaps it’s you - attending Mass but still missing one or more of the Sacraments? Whoever it may be, take a moment to pray and reflect.
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​Who benefits from OCIA?
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Anyone who has never been part of a faith community but feels a deep desire to belong.
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Individuals raised in another Christian tradition who are now curious about the Catholic Church.
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Baptized Catholics who have not yet received First Communion or Confirmation.
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Those married to Catholics who want to learn more about the faith and explore the possibility of becoming Catholic.
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Anyone who senses a call or gentle prompting from the Holy Spirit to take the next step in their spiritual journey.​
Children Ages 7-17
OCIA - Adapted for Children (OCIC) ​
St. Agnes Church warmly welcomes children of catechetical age, together with their families, to begin a faith-filled journey of preparation for full initiation into the Catholic Church. Through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) - adapted for children (OCIC)- our parish helps young people grow in faith and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
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Children who have reached the age of reason (around seven years old) and who have not yet been baptized take part in this special process, which culminates in the celebration of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
As the Church teaches, "Since children who have reached the use of reason are considered, for the purposes of Christian initiation, to be adults (canon 852:1), their formation should follow the general pattern of the ordinary catechumenate, with the appropriate adaptations permitted by the ritual. They should receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, together with older catechumens" (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).
The OCIA for Children is a beautiful journey of faith for those ages 7-17, guiding them into a deeper relationship with Jesus and full participation in the life of the Church.
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Periods of the OCIA Process (Adapted for Children)
Period of Inquiry/Evangelization: This is a time of inquiry and discovery - a chance to ask questions and become familiar with the values and message of the Gospel. It is an open-ended period, without a fixed schedule, allowing for the beginnings of faith to take root. At St. Agnes, we offer a year-round inquiry process, so families and children may begin their journey at any time during the year.
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Period of the Catechumenate: After celebrating the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming, participants - now called catechumens - enter a time of deeper instruction and spiritual formation. During this period, they grow in understanding of the Catholic faith and in personal conversion as they prepare to celebrate the sacraments.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment: Following the Rite of Election, this stage invites the Elect into a more intense period of prayer and reflection. It is a time for spiritual cleansing and deeper union with Christ. Traditionally, this period coincides with Lent, though since our OCIA process is ongoing throughout the year, it may take place whenever a catechumen is ready.
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Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: At the end of their journey, the Elect are fully received into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, most often celebrated at the Easter Vigil. This moment marks their full initiation into the life of Christ and His Church.
Period of Mystagogy: After initiation, the newly baptized - now called Neophytes - enter a time of continued growth and reflection. During this six-week period, they deepen their understanding of their faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and begin active participation in the life and mission of the Church through service, prayer, and community involvement.
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OCIA for Children and Teens (OCIC) - Registration Now Open
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St. Agnes Parish invites children and teens who have not yet been baptized to register and take the next step in their journey toward full initiation into the Catholic faith. If your family would like to take part in this process or learn more about this ministry, please contact: Ms. Meghan Fleming @ 410-744-2900 or via email: Meghan.Fleming@archbalt.org
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For additional information about the OCIA/OCIC process, visit: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/christian-initiation-of-adults