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- Becoming Catholic, Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA)
  
  The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults* (OCIA) is the Catholic Church’s way of welcoming new members and preparing them for the Sacrament of Baptism. For those already baptized, it can also be the path to prepare for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
  
  OCIA is much more than a program. It is a learning and loving journey in which conversion of the heart brings one to Jesus Christ. OCIA is a place where you can ask questions, seek answers, experience authentic relationships, and embrace the fact that you matter. Regardless of your past or your faith tradition, we invite you to come as you are and to give Church and God another try.
  
  *Note: OCIA used to be called RCIA, or the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The new name emphasizes the idea that becoming Catholic is a journey of faith. The word "order" reflects the progressive nature of this spiritual journey, as an "order" is a collection of all the "rites," or liturgical rituals, involved in this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
- OCIA calls adults to a conversion of mind and heart through a process of education, faith sharing, and rituals.
  
  OCIA involves prayer, study, and discussion within a small faith group. It also involves several Rites, which take place within the context of the Mass with the whole parish, gradually leading you to full membership in the Catholic Church.
  But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
  — Romans 10:16
When is it?
- The ENGLISH CLASS meets most Monday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm from late September to early May.
  The first class will be held on Monday, September 29, at 7:00 pm in the Church Hall (i.e., the basement of the Church).
  
  For more information, email Deacon Tom ([email protected]).
  
  Better yet, come to our OCIA Inquiry Night on Monday, September 22, at 7 pm in the Church Hall (i.e., the basement of the Church).
  
  The SPANISH CLASS schedule has not been finalized, but will likely meet on a weekend day in the afternoon or evening beginning in October and continuing to May.
  
  For more information, call or email Verenice in the Parish Office
  ( 732-356-2149, ext. 1012 -- [email protected] )
  
  Please see our "flyer" (click) for more info.
Where is it?
- Both the English Class and the Spanish Class meet in the Church Hall, i.e., the basement of the Church.
  
  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.
  — Matthew 18:20
- What do I do now?
  
  There are several things you can do:
  Complete the form at the bottom of the page, and someone will contact you.
  Come to our OCIA Inquiry Night on Monday, September 22, at 7:00 pm
  in the Church Hall (i.e., the basement of the church)
  Or come to the first English Class on Monday, September 29, at 7:00 pm in the Church Hall.
  Ask questions. Seek answers. No pressure. No obligation. Just ... come and see.
  Send an email to Deacon Tom ([email protected]) or email Verenice in the Parish Office ([email protected]) , and they will contact you.
  Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, . . . Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth. . . . Come and see.”
  — John 1:45-46
- Want to learn more - someone will contact you.
  
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O
ur Lady of Mount
Virgin

Middlesex, NJ

Becoming Catholic, Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA)

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults* (OCIA) is the Catholic Church’s way of welcoming new members and preparing them for the Sacrament of Baptism. For those already baptized, it can also be the path to prepare for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do now?

There are several things you can do:

Want to learn more - someone will contact you.