BECOMING CATHOLIC
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) offers anyone curious about the Catholic faith—whatever their background or the reason for their interest—a path to learn what the Catholic Church believes and to discern whether they might be called to join it.
Some want to learn more about Catholicism without necessarily seeking to become Catholic. Others want to learn about the faith because they are feeling drawn toward Baptism. Still others have already been baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition and are discerning whether to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. And there are baptized Catholics who never completed their initiation, or who fell away from the practice of the faith and want to recommit themselves while at Villanova.
The OCIA process at Villanova often unfolds over a single academic year. It involves a commitment to attend weekly Mass, join a weekly session exploring topics in Catholic faith and life, and participate in two one-day retreats—one in fall, one in spring.
OCIA for those seeking Baptism
Before OCIA formally begins, a person comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, reflects on their relationship with him, and finds themselves drawn in some way to the Catholic Church. This is known as the period of evangelization and pre-catechumenate—for some, a long season of searching; for others, a shorter experience. Often it's contact with people of faith, or a personal experience of faith, that leads someone to inquire further.
After conversation with a priest or the Minister for Catholic Faith Formation, an "inquirer" may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens through the Rite of Acceptance. Standing before the parish community, the inquirer states their desire to be baptized into the Catholic Church; the assembly affirms that desire, and the inquirer becomes a "catechumen."
The period of the catechumenate can last months or years, depending on how the person is growing in faith and where God is leading them. During this time, catechumens reflect on what God is saying to them in Scripture, what changes their life may call them to, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church will mean.
When the catechumen and their guides in the OCIA process discern together that the person is ready to commit to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the Rite of Election, the formal call to the Easter sacraments, at which the catechumen is enrolled among "the elect." Baptism and the other Sacraments of Initiation—Confirmation and Eucharist—will follow at the Easter Vigil.
OCIA for those seeking full communion with the Catholic Church
Baptized Christians from other traditions who wish to enter the Catholic Church follow a related but distinct path. They make a profession of faith rather than being baptized again, and their formation—while it takes place alongside catechumens—is shaped around deepening a faith commitment they've already made, not beginning one.
After conversation with a priest or the Minister for Catholic Faith Formation, an inquirer discerning full communion may be welcomed as a "candidate" through the Rite of Welcome, in which they express before the community their intention to complete their initiation in the Catholic Church.
During the period of continuing conversion, candidates deepen their understanding of Catholic teaching and practice alongside the parish community, preparing for reception into full communion during the Easter season, when they will receive Confirmation and Eucharist.
OCIA for Catholics returning to the Catholic Church
Catholics who were baptized and confirmed and made First Communion but drifted from the faith can return simply through the Sacrament of Penance. They may wish to participate in the OCIA process to deepen their understanding of and formation in the Catholic faith.
Catholics who were baptized but never received Confirmation and/or Eucharist can complete their initiation through the process of continuing conversion, culminating in the reception of Confirmation and/or Holy Communion during the Easter season.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?
To explore further what it means to be Catholic, or how you might enter the Catholic Church, contact Colin McGuigan, Minister for Catholic Faith Formation.
KEY DATES
Inquiry / Information Session: 9/13/26, 8 p.m. (St. Rita Hall)
Rites of Acceptance and Welcome: 10/4/26, 7 p.m. (St. Thomas of Villanova Church)
Rite of Election: 2/21/27, 7 p.m. (St. Thomas of Villanova Church)
Easter Vigil: 3/27/27 (St. Thomas of Villanova Church)
