If you're considering the Catholic Church, here's the good news: there's a path, it's well-worn, and your local parish runs it every year. It's called OCIA — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (you may still hear it called RCIA). This guide walks through the stages, what each one means, and exactly what to do this week.
The four stages, in plain English
- Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate) — open-ended Q&A. Come to a few sessions, ask anything, no commitment.
- Catechumenate — formal formation. Weekly classes covering Scripture, doctrine, sacraments, and Catholic life. Often 6–9 months.
- Purification & Enlightenment — Lent. Daily prayer intensifies. Scrutinies (special rites) happen at Sunday Mass for catechumens.
- Mystagogy — the 50 days after Easter. You've been initiated; now you live it, with the community walking alongside.
The typical timeline
- August–September — Inquiry begins.
- Late fall — Rite of Acceptance (you become a Catechumen) or Welcome (if already baptized).
- First Sunday of Lent — Rite of Election at the cathedral.
- Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday night) — Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion. The big night.
- Easter season — Mystagogy.
Catechumen vs Candidate — which are you?
If you've never been baptized, you're a Catechumen. You'll be baptized at the Easter Vigil. If you were validly baptized in another Christian tradition (most mainline Protestant and Orthodox baptisms count), you're a Candidate and you'll make a Profession of Faith and be confirmed. Either way, you receive Eucharist at the same Mass.
What to do this week
- Find a Catholic parish using Faith Common's directory or your diocese's parish finder.
- Call the parish office. Ask for the OCIA coordinator. Most parishes will not pressure you — they expect inquiries.
- Attend a Sunday Mass. Sit, listen, and read along. See our Mass guide for what to expect.
- Pick up a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the USCCB Catechism for Adults.
Sponsors, godparents, and questions about your past
You'll need a sponsor — a practicing Catholic who accompanies you. Ask a Catholic friend or let the parish pair you. If you're divorced, remarried, or have complicated history, raise it early with the priest. There are pastoral paths for almost everything.
Frequently asked questions
What is OCIA / RCIA?
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the restored Catholic process for adults entering the Church. It was previously called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). The stages: Inquiry, Catechumenate, Purification & Enlightenment (Lent), and Mystagogy (Easter onward).
How long does it take to become Catholic?
Most parishes run OCIA on a 9- to 14-month cycle, beginning in late summer/fall and culminating at the Easter Vigil. Some parishes use a year-round model so you can start whenever you're ready.
Do I need to be baptized first?
If you've never been baptized, you become a Catechumen and receive Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion at the Easter Vigil. If you were already validly baptized in another Christian tradition, you're a Candidate and are received into full communion (Profession of Faith, Confirmation, First Communion) — usually also at Easter.
Do I need a sponsor?
Yes. A sponsor is a practicing Catholic in good standing who walks with you through the process. Your parish can pair you with one if you don't have a Catholic friend or family member who can serve.
What if I'm divorced and remarried?
Talk with the parish priest early. Many situations can be resolved through annulment or convalidation. Don't let this delay starting OCIA — pastoral discernment is part of the process.
Where do I sign up?
Call or email the parish office of any Catholic church. Ask for the OCIA / RCIA coordinator or director of evangelization. Most parishes welcome inquiries year-round.