OCIA

(Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly called RCIA)

What is OCIA?


OCIA stands for the Order of Initiation of Adults. This Order is calling on the ancient processes of catechizing adults into the Catholic faith. But evangelization precedes catechesis. Evangelization is first and foremost a dialogue. Those who come to St. Bernadette and Holy Ghost thirsting for purpose, belonging, and that which only the Church can give need personal conversations along the road to conversion. Thankfully we are many in the One Body!


We also welcome those who are already members who wish to share their faith with those in the OCIA process or who wish to learn more about their faith. Alpha is open to any seeking to deepen their faith to attend. Some come to OCIA as guests being prepared as they await resolution of marriage issues that have delayed their entry into the Church. Some are still exploring the faith. But the focus of the process is always a presentation and discussion of the Catholic faith to prepare people for entering the church at Easter. For some this journey might take a year, for others because they need more time or there are unresolved hangups it could take longer. We are all on the journey together, learning with each other and helping each other along the way.


The OCIA process (What is happening?)


The OCIA process is a journey that takes place within the Catholic community. We, the Church, will help and guide you through this process which is marked by four distinct periods: 


Inquiry - This is the period where you inquire into specifics about the Catholic Church, its practices and its traditions. The inquiry period will help you understand how Christ is present to us in the Church and how knowing Him through the Church brings with it a deep and intimate relationship with Christ. Our inquiry period consists of personal accompaniment and meetings with the Evangelization and Catechesis Coordinator, a deacon, or a parishioner committed to accompaniment as well as joining the parish for Alpha or fellow OCIA inquirers in The Rescue Project. Right now we have Alpha offered in the Fall and the Winter/Spring. 


Growth - This begins the second period, a time for you to grow in faith and knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Church. During this period, we explore in depth the rich teachings of Jesus through His Church and come to understand the sacraments He left for us as a means of grace. This period consists of 1 on 1 or small group accompaniment from the Evangelization and Catechesis Coordinator, the pastor, and a seasoned, practicing, and committed Catholic. At the end of this period, which can be brief or years long, if you wish to prepare to join the Church we move forward with the rite of entrance. Ordinarily people will be preparing to enter the Church at Easter after they have been accepted by the Bishop through the Rite of Election or the Call to Continuing Conversion. OCIA is a dynamic process that does not have a one-size fits all process. For those who are curious about what the Church believes they can attend our parish-wide Symbolon series. If for any reason you are not yet ready for formally beginning OCIA, you are still welcome in the class—the study, fellowship and journey continue for us all. 


Preparation, Purification & Enlightenment - This is a time for more personal spiritual growth and includes final preparation for receiving the sacraments of initiation (baptism if necessary, confirmation and first communion) at the Easter Vigil (the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday). Ordinarily this will coincide with the liturgical season of Lent. Candidates/catechumens are encouraged, as much as they are able, to turn Holy Saturday into a distinct day of retreat before the Vigil. 


Mystagogy – After receiving all the sacraments of initiation, Christian formation continues, and so does your walk in faith the remainder of your life. The community remains together to continue to learn more about the Catholic faith and to continue to share the journey. There is always something more to learn—the treasury of the Church is limitless. Our parish has been in the process of highlighting particular ministries that make it easier for parishioners and outsiders to see a Clear Path of Discipleship. One of the best things for a "new Catholic" to do is to join a small group and continue studying the Bible, the Catechism, and to actively participate, that is prayerfully and with a whole heart, in the liturgy and liturgical rhythms of the Church.


In short, OCIA is the process by which you will be able to come to an intimate and life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church and what she teaches, with others who are on the same journey. It’s a time for questions and answers and more questions and exploring and experiencing life—worship, fellowship, and service-- in a Catholic community. 


Interested in joining? Submit an inquiry to us by click here and schedule an initial meeting with our Evangelization and Catechesis Coordinator by emailing him here: ecollins@bernadetteholyghost.org 


Important Calendar Dates for 2025-2026:


  • Precatechumenate Program (September-December):
  • Alpha
  • Is there more to life than this?
  • Who is Jesus?
  • Why did Jesus die?
  • How can I have faith?
  • Why and how do I pray?
  • Why and how should I read the Bible?
  • How does God guide us?
  • Who is the Holy Spirit?
  • DAY RETREAT “What does the Holy Spirit do?
  • How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
  • How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
  • How can I resist Evil?
  • Why and how should I tell others?
  • Does God heal today?
  • What about the Church?
  • Celebration and Group Sharing 


  • For those that cannot make Alpha, we can run, on an as needed basis, The Rescue Project (9 videos, could be done in the context of one-on-one accompaniment on a group basis). This would take roughly nine weeks to do one video a week or half that time to do two a week, while only meeting for one discussion time a week.
  • Ch 1: Why stories are important
  • Ch 2: Why is there something rather than nothing?
  • Ch 3: The Enemy is the enemy
  • Ch 4: It gets worse
  • Ch 5: What if anything has God done about it?
  • Ch 6: What difference does it make?
  • Ch 7: Words are not enough
  • Ch 8: What does God want from me?
  • Ch 9: Getting Clarity on the Mission


  • There is no requirement for someone to do either of these programs, or to do them at any specific time of the year. What needs to be done is that an adequate amount of time and experience in community has occurred for a firm decision to become Catholic to be made.           


Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate

● When?

○ TBD (Based upon number of inquirers and times of inquiry)


● In this Rite, the inquirers publicly state, “coming together in public for the first time” their “will to the Church” that they want to become fully initiated into the Catholic faith. The Church “fulfilling her apostolic office, receives those who intend to become her members. God grants them his grace since their desire is expressed openly in this celebration and their reception and first consecration are marked by the Church.” (OCIA § 41). Work has been done, through Alpha and meetings with the OCIA Coordinator and their sponsor, to assist the inquirers in “the beginnings of a spiritual life” and a familiarity and basic sense of “the foundations of Christian doctrine” (§ 42). We have looked for the signs of initial conversion, a turning of one’s life toward Christ, and a faith seeking understanding, which demonstrates a docility toward a living relationship by the power of the Holy Spirit with God the Father in Jesus Christ. At this time, “a sense of penitence and a habit of calling on God in prayer,” as well as a “sense of the Church” in the parish, the priest, and the community of faith united in the Eucharist, teachings, and Spirit, have similarly been seen and cultivated. Given the nature of this Rite, it is fitting to celebrate it perhaps once, twice, or even three times a year (§ 18).

○ Candidates who have already been baptized and are seeking full communion in the Catholic Church are formally accepted through the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates.

○ Upon finishing this Rite, “from that moment, catechumens, whom Mother Church already embraces as her own with her love and care, and who are joined to her, already belong to the house of Christ, for they are fed by the Church with the word of God and the aid of the liturgy. For their part, they should have the desire to participate in the Liturgy of the Word and receive Blessings and Sacramentals. Whenever two catechumens contract marriage or a catechumen contracts marriage with an unbaptized person, they should use the appropriate rite. Finally, if they die during their catechumenate, they receive a Christian funeral” (§ 47).

Period of the Catechumenate (September-February):

○ This second phase is an extended period which ordinarily lasts from “at least the Easter Time of one year until the Easter Time of the next year”. The length of this time is determined, not based upon efficient planning, but to ensure enough time for conversion to deepen and for faith to mature. This formation is intended to be comprehensive. This formation is personal, but systematic. It is where the catechumens/candidates “receive pastoral instruction and practice appropriate disciplines; by the help of these their spiritual frame of mind, already manifested by their entrance, is brought to maturity” through (§ 75): ■   


  • “Appropriate catechesis…, divided into steps and presented fully, suited to the liturgical year and supported by the Celebrations of the Word,” which “leads them not only to a suitable knowledge of dogmas and precepts, but also to an intimate knowledge of the mystery of salvation, which they desire to make their own.”
  • “Becoming familiar with the practice of Christian life, helped by the example and support of sponsors and godparents, and indeed by the faithful of the entire community,” as “they grow accustomed to praying more easily to God, witnessing to the faith, keeping an expectation of Christ in all things, following inspiration from above in their works, and showing charity to their neighbor even to renunciation of themselves”. This can involve radical changes in lifestyle and relationship, and involves, for everyone, embarking on the spiritual journey of letting go of the old self for the new self in Christ.
  • “They are assisted on their journey by Mother Church with suitable liturgical rites and by them are now gradually cleansed and sustained with divine blessing.”
  • “Since the life of the Church is apostolic, catechumens too should learn to cooperate actively in evangelization and building up of the Church by the testimony of their life and their profession of faith”


  • One-on-One Accompaniment: Here at the Holy Ghost - St. Bernadette parish family our Evangelization & Catechesis Coordinator as well as an intentional member of the parish (as a potential sponsor) or with one’s chosen sponsor meets with each candidate or catechumen to personally walk with every person in a way that respects and meets them in their own individual circumstances and backgrounds of faith. This process could be as short as a few months or as long as years based upon the need and mutual discernment of the Coordinator and candidate/catechumen. In this time the candidate/catechumen will go through the various rites. “The length of time appropriate for the catechumenate depends both on the grace of God and on various circumstances…So nothing can be laid down a priori”. We believe that taking the time to deeply learn in a personal setting “about the whole of Christian life over an appropriately extended apprenticeship, the catechumens are suitably initiated by the mysteries of salvation and the exercise of an evangelical way of life and sacred rites…and are introduced into the faith, liturgy, and charity proper to the People of God” (§ 76).


  • Dinner with Father

■ To bring together our catechumens/candidates regularly, we have marked off the third Tuesday of the month for a dinner with the pastor, perhaps some of the deacons, and the sponsors and/or immediate family. This is a time to grow in relationship with the pastor, and perhaps even ask questions to learn more about the faith.

● November 17th, 6:30-7:30 PM

● December 15th, 6:30-7:30 PM

● January 19th, 6:30-7:30 PM

● February 16th, 6:30-7:30 PM

● March 16th, 6:30-7:30 PM


  • Minor Rites:
  • TBD (Based upon time of entrance into the Catechumenate)


Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names

  • First Sunday of Lent
  • The Combined Rites of Election and Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion is celebrated by the Archbishop at Saint Cecilia Cathedral with the entirety of the Archdiocese. If a catechumen/candidate cannot attend, pastors request permission from the bishop to celebrate the rite in the parish. This Rite includes the official enrollment of the names of those seeking Baptism at the Easter Vigil. At this Rite the catechumens publicly request Baptism and declare their desire to live as lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church. They are joined by their sponsors.


  • Period of Purification and Enlightenment (Lent)
  • This stage, unlike the Catechumenate, normally coincides with the specific liturgical season of Lent. This is a time “given to a more intense preparation of spirit and heart, which has the character of recollection rather than catechesis, and is intended to purify hearts and minds by examination of conscience and penitence” (§ 139). “Lent renews the community of the faithful together with the elect and disposes them to recall the Paschal Mystery, which the Sacraments of Initiation” (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) “apply to individuals. In this period, the elect together with the local community give themselves to spiritual recollection, so that they may prepare themselves for the Paschal Feasts and for Initiation by the Sacraments.” (§ 138). This time is best thought of like a retreat, intended for spiritual discipline and purification so as to greater hear God and prepare one’s heart to encounter Him.


  • Scrutinies
  • Third Sunday of Lent
  • Fourth Sunday of Lent
  • Fifth Sunday of Lent


Period of Mystogogy (Easter-Forever):

● First Year After Initiation (Neophyte):

  • TBD with Catechist and Sponsor                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If I come to OCIA, does that mean I am committed to joining the Church?

    No. You may make that decision, you may decide you are not interested in joining, or you may need more time. There is no obligation, inquiring minds and hearts are always welcome and our masses are always open to your active participation.


  • What does it mean to be a practicing Catholic?

    First and foremost it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ, to have a relationship with Him and to grow in love for Him and our neighbors. Catholics are continually growing in a life in the Holy Spirit. The Church, knowing the need for ongoing conversion amidst temptation and sin, has given the faithful five precepts to help them maintain the minimum  in the spirit of prayer, moral effort, and in growth in love of God and neighbor. Our Evangelization and Catechesis Coordinator has created a helpful and thorough guide for the five precepts here. 


    The precepts guide is not exhaustive of all the things or plans God could call a person to, but it is meant to be a helpful starting point to reveal how our lives might look different as Catholics. The precepts mostly consist in what days we set apart and in what practices we make sure we participate in. Historically many of these were viewed as synonymous with Catholicism, but as time has gone on some of these essentials have been forgotten or obscured and having a helpful sheet can help us be intentional with our faith.  


    The Five Precepts Guide

  • Is there a lot of reading?

    There does not need to be any reading. Every candidate/catechumen is encouraged to read the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a backbone and springboard for studying the Catholic faith. During Alpha there is no reading. During the Catechumenate, reading is recommended or encouraged on a case-by-case basis. There are enough books for someone to feel like they did a degree in Catholicism, the recommended reading can be as deep as people want to go, but these are not required. The primary Catechist has a rich bibliography that is used to ensure utmost fidelity to the teaching of the Church and Her heart on the matter. 

  • Is there a test at the end?

    No! OCIA is an experience that will certainly teach you lots of “facts” but it’s also meant to help you experience what life is like as a Catholic—the Catholic faith is more than a way of thinking or worshiping, it’s a way of living. The OCIA experience is designed to introduce you to all aspects of Catholic living, first as a community and in an encounter with Jesus, then the nuts and bolts of our faith, then being rooted in the mystery embraced at the Easter Vigil. 


  • Does my spouse have to come?

    No.  OCIA is an individual journey, though some couples take it together. A decision whether to join the Church is yours and yours alone. But spouses are always welcome during any part of the process.


  • May I join after class has started?

    Of course. If you join while Alpha is already happening we can do The Rescue Project as a smaller, more intimate group or we can simply have those types of conversations on a one-on-one or small group basis. The Catechumenate process begins when you are ready. If you inquire in the winter it might be trickier to get you caught up in time, in regards to Alpha, but Alpha is not always necessary. This all boils down to your and our discernment. It is never too late to begin the process, though it might not conclude in entering the Church in this immediate Easter Vigil. It really depends on each person's circumstances and how late into the process someone joins. We will work our hardest to get you what you need, but that won't always result in joining the Church in the upcoming Easter Vigil. 

  • Is it every week? What if I have to miss class?

    Except for Christmas time, we try to meet every week. For many, bi-weekly seems to work best to ensure an adequate time of reading and reflection. If you need to miss a meeting/class, contact the Evangelization and Catechesis Coordinator and they'll let you know what needs to happen. Attendance is important because, if we are shooting for the Easter Vigil, there is only so much time in the year and we do not want to rush, this is about becoming a part of a Catholic community and you can’t do that without being involved. But sometimes you just can’t be there and we understand. If the meeting time is inconvenient for you because of work or other commitments that cannot be rearranged, please contact the Evangelization and Catechesis Coordinator to discuss alternative arrangements. OCIA is here for you! Our meetings, besides Dinner with Father, are arranged on a case-by-case basis. 

  • Why does it take so long?

    There is a lot to learn. Catholics have a lot in common with their Protestant brothers and sisters, but there is a lot that is different. Catholics have a lot in common with those in other religious traditions, but what we believe is unique. Catholics have a lot of concerns and interests aligned with caring neighbors and citizens, but why and what we do in the world is rooted deeply in our faith. Coming into the Church is a serious step and for many, a big change. If you take that step, you’ll be asked to profess before God and the congregation that you accept all that the God has revealed and all that the Church teaches so that you may live the Catholic life to the fullest. OCIA is meant to help you understand those teachings, and that takes time.


  • How does the Church view marriages that have been witnessed outside the Catholic Church?

    People approaching full communion with the Catholic Church are in various situations of marriage that need to be addressed differently. Find out about the various marriage situations and how the irregular ones can be regularized by speaking with one of our parishes marriage tribunal advocates by calling the parish officer for their respective contact information.

    Click here to learn more!

  • Can a person in the annulment process be admitted to OCIA?

    As per the official policy of the Archdiocese of Omaha: While any person can attend the sessions as a guest, a person is not to be formally admitted to OCIA if any tribunal process (e.g., formal case, lack of form case, favor of the faith case, etc.) is underway. That process should be completed prior to admitting a person to OCIA. If you need to begin a tribunal process our parish has tribunal advocates who want to help you in this process. 


  • Does the Church welcome those who experience same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria?

    Unjust discrimination against people struggling with same-sex attraction or gender identity is not part of the Catholic faith. Individuals who experience same-sex attractions are called to chastity in their respective state of life, as are all human beings. For married people, this means an exclusive, faithful relationship which is open to the possibility of having children. For single people, this means abstaining from sexual intimacy and fostering authentic friendships.There are Catholic apostolates that help men and women who experience same-sex attraction, gender dysphoria, or are wrestling with their identity which strive for chastity. Please reach out to our Evangelization and Catechesis Coordinator for more information on these. 


  • I have already been baptized. Do I need to be baptized again?

    In several Christian denominations, Baptism is performed using water (full immersion or pouring over the head) and the Trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit), and is a valid Baptism according to the Catholic Church. In this case one would not need to be baptized. If you were baptized in a tradition that does not baptize by water and the Trinitarian formula, you may still need to be baptized conditionally, before making your profession of Catholic faith. 


    You will need to present evidence of your Baptism, either a certificate or letter from the church where you were baptized, or an affidavit filled out by yourself (if you were old enough to remember) or someone who witnessed your Baptism.

    Click here to learn more!

  • How do I sign up for the program for Becoming Catholic?

    If you are interested in being a guest at the class simply call the parish office to learn when and where the classes are. If you are interested in joining, register below by filling out our OCIA form. It will take a few minutes, but will help us in providing any pastoral needs as quickly as possible to prevent any hiccups in the process. 


    Things happen, so if, by chance, you do not hear in a week, send an email to our Evangelization and Catechesis Coordinator. Our Evangelization and Catechesis Coordinator will set up an initial meeting so that we can personally welcome you, get to know you a bit, and answer any particular questions you might have.