Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
This program was formerly known as RCIA. (Explanation of the change)
Meets year-round at the parish office
when an inquirer is going through the process.
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process by which interested adults and older children become full members of the Catholic Church. This program prepares individuals for the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, including anyone coming from other faith traditions as well as uninitiated Catholics.
For more information, contact:
RCIA.sfa@gmail.com
OCIA follows the ancient practice of the Church, introducing an individual to the Catholic way of life. Candidates are accompanied on their journey of faith by their catechists.
For individuals who knock on our door seeking initiation, the length of the process is unique to their needs. It encourages them into a deep relationship with God and His Church, and through participation in weekly worship and parish activities, invites them into a relationship with the parish community.
For the catechists involved, the opportunity to share their faith and the joy of being Catholic is an enriching and life-changing experience. OCIA is also an opportunity for the whole community to witness the special preparation of candidates for Rites and ceremonies as they journey toward full communion with the church.
It is rewarding to see the fruits of the ministry, as candidates from past years are currently in active ministry in the Church. The Joy of the Gospel permeates entirely through this important ministry.
“There is no greater joy than to observe and be intimately part of the workings of the Holy Spirit
as a candidate comes alive in their faith and immerses themselves in the Gospel way of life.”
A Journey of Joy and Celebration
The process an individual goes through seeking entrance into the Catholic Church is facilitated by a lead OCIA catchiest working with a team of parishioners who love the teachings of the Church and sharing their Catholic faith. Thus, the individual does not journey alone in their pursuit of Truth.
On the First Sunday of Lent in 2024, the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Community sent Tianning Huang to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election with Bishop William Byrne. Fr. David Darcy, Lead OCIA Catechist Judy Trickey, and other parishioners were there for support.
Tianning was received into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil, March 30, 2024. Within this most holy of Masses, she received all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.
On the First Sunday of Lent in 2026 our community sent two teens to the Rite of Election Ceremony with Bishop William Byrne, and our own Fr. David Darcy, at the Cathedral.
On April 4, 2026, our community joyously celebrated the Sacraments of Initiation, welcoming two teens into the Church during the Easter Vigil.
Part of the Easter celebration at St. Francis is the anticipated delight with which Fr. David enjoys administering the annual drenching blessing of the faithful with holy water!!
Courtney Schweyer and Eli Hunter were very committed to the OCIA preparation process leading up to this joyous moment.
Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a team of dedicated catechist, they began their walk with Christ.
As a community, we pray they will continue to grow deeper in their relationship with Him each day.
The Sacrament of Baptism
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion
