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OCIA
Welcome to our page for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton, Texas. We are glad you're here! If you are interested in becoming Catholic, learning more about the Catholic Church, and growing in your faith then this is for you.
At Immaculate Conception, OCIA meets on Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm in the portable buildings.
The best first step is to contact Deacon Art at deacon.art@iccdenton.org or 940-565-1770 Ext 206. In this first meeting we will talk about your faith journey and how OCIA fits into your faith journey. From there, if you feel it is the right time you can begin attending the Thursday night talks and discussions.
What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a program that is to reach out to non-Catholics to answer questions and to bring in those discerning the Catholic Church into Christ's Church through the sacraments of Baptism (if not baptized) and Confirmation at the end of the program at the Easter Vigil. One discerning the Catholic Church is not obligated when starting the class to be received into the Church, however, most do. This is, in the United States, the normal passage by which non-Catholics become a part of Christ's One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
Is OCIA for You?
• Persons in need of Baptism.
• Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
• Persons baptized Catholic in need of sacraments.
• Catholics who have all sacraments but want to grow in their Catholic Faith
If interested, please call the Parish office 940-565-1770 to make an appointment and complete a registration form with Deacon Art. Classes are held on Thursdays from 7p-9p in the portables. Classes will begin August 21, 2025.
How long does it take?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about OCIA. The answer is, "It takes as long as it takes." It's not possible to give a single answer for everyone to this questions, because OCIA is a process, not a class or a program. The amount of time a person needs will vary depending on whether or not you have already been baptized, what prior experience you may have had with the Catholic community, and where you are in your own relationship with God.The process of OCIA takes place in stages, or periods. Here is an overview of the process:
Who leads the OCIA meetings?
We have different groups that meet for different stages in the process. Our RCIA Team helps to prepare and facilitate the meetings. Also our parish priests and deacons regularly participate.
What if I can't be at all the weekly meetings?
Occasional absences are inevitable, but it is important that you be present regularly and promptly. Each week builds on what has gone before. We have different meetings for different stages in the process. If you can’t make it one week, please send an email ahead of time to Deacon Art. Save your Thursday evenings for OCIA and makes sure that you will be available for a few other key dates, the Rite of Acceptance, the Rite of Election, and the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil). Mark your calendars cause you don’t want to miss those!
Godparents and Sponsors
A godparent and/or sponsor is firstly a companion on the journey, both through OCIA and after. They are someone you can talk things over with, and to be a personal example to you of what a Catholic is. They are not perfect, they do not have all the answers - but they do care about you and are committed to sharing and supporting your growth in faith, understanding and community. They accompany you weekly and have a role in celebrations that mark your OCIA process. You don’t have to have one immediately but more information will be given in the first few meetings and we can help you find someone to make this journey with you, if needed!