“The sacraments of Christian initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—lay the foundations of every Christian life. ‘The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.’”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 1212
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process by which individuals explore and, if they choose, become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. Both those not yet baptized who have come to hear the Gospel for the first time and those baptized in other faith traditions are invited to seek God through this “journey of faith and conversion” (OCIA, par. 1). The journey involves prayer, catechesis, and participation in the life of the Church, culminating in the reception of the sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (for those not yet baptized), Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Individuals from all walks of life are invited to come together to explore the Catholic faith and prepare for the sacraments. Catechumens and candidates are supported by a dedicated team that includes the pastor, catechists, godparents, and sponsors who walk alongside them, offering guidance and encouragement.
If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and the OCIA process, please reach out to your local parish. To find the parish nearest you, use our Find a Parish webpage or contact the Office of Worship and Liturgy.
- Combined Rite of Election and Calling to Continuing Conversion
Each year, on the first Sunday of Lent, the bishop calls to the cathedral all those in the diocese who will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. At this combined Rite of Election and Calling to Continuing Conversion, the catechumens and candidates declare their intent to be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil and the godparents/sponsors testify to their readiness. The bishop receives their intent and commends them on their way as they prepare for the Paschal Sacraments.
Everyone is welcome to attend the combined Rite of Election and Calling to Continuing Conversion on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral in Gaylord. Please consider coming to support and pray for our catechumens and candidates.
For more information, or if you are a parish leader planning to bring catechumens/candidates, please contact the Office of Worship and Liturgy. Details for parish leadership are usually sent by email in early January.
- Parish Resources
To learn more about the ways we can implement the vision of the OCIA throughout all parish life, while examining the newly translated ritual text, please view the following webinar provided by the Diocese of Gaylord in collaboration with LTP in 2024:
- Preparing for the OCIA: Changes in Translation, Opportunities for Renewal Presentation | Slides
For recommended catechetical material for catechumen and candidate formation, please reach out to the Office of Faith Formation.
