The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

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Sessions will begin Thursdays in September at 7:00 pm  Contact Philp at the Parish Office (402) 371-2621

If you have an interest in becoming Catholic or learning more about Jesus and His Church we invite you to an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith. Sessions focus on the teachings and experience of Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, your insights and your faith story in a warm accepting setting. 
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General Information

• The Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) is the process by which an interested person becomes a member of the Catholic Church. This is a gradual process within the community of the faithful. It is a spiritual journey. The OCIA, as a rite, marks the various steps on the way to full commitment within the Catholic Church. It includes five specific periods.
• This initial period allows the individual to become acquainted with the Catholic Church, to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and to reflect on one's own life and the stirrings of the heart.
• Following the Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming (first stage of commitment) this period is for deeper individual conversion and for more in-depth orientation to the Catholic faith.
• Beginning with the Rite of Election this is a period of more intense spiritual preparation and is intended to purify the mind and heart, and to deepen their knowledge of and relationship to Christ.
• Celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ in the Paschal Triduum at Easter offers the appropriate time for the reception of the individual into the Church with the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.
• After the completion of their Christian initiation in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist the individual enters a period of deepening of their understanding of the mysteries of these sacraments, and to enhance their understanding of their new faith. It is a period of deepening their Christian formation and incorporation into the full life of the Christian community

Common Questions

How long does it take?

The Order of Christian Initiation is not a program of exact timing. It is the gradual process of a spiritual journey which may take a short period of time or a number of years. At Heart of Jesus Catholic Parishes we normally offer the OCIA program from the early fall through the winter with the Sacraments of Initiation being received at Easter. The period of Mystagogy is for the six weeks following Easter.

What if I was baptized in another church?

Once your baptism is verified you will not be baptized again. In the Rite of Initiation, those who have received baptism will receive only the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation.

What is the first step?

If you are seriously considering becoming a Catholic or would simply like more information about the Catholic Faith please contact:
Philip Zimmerman
Phone: (402) 371-2621
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.