Every year in the Archdiocese of Detroit, hundreds of people join the Catholic Church.

Becoming a Catholic requires a commitment to God, the Church, and a worshipping community, the person must enter the process of preparation and discernment.
This is called OCIA.

The OCIA is the process by which an unbaptized person becomes a member of the Roman Catholic Church. This includes the celebration of a series of Rites along with a pastorally-guided journey of faith, a process of growth and conversion. Hearing the Gospel proclaimed, becoming familiar with Catholic doctrine, and an introduction to Catholic practices are all elements that deepen faith development.

This preparation leads to the celebration of the sacraments of initiation, (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion) usually at the Easter Vigil (the Saturday night before Easter).

Classes are held on Sunday mornings from August until Pentecost.

Those baptized persons of other Christian faiths who wish to become Catholic as well as those who are already baptized in the Catholic faith and looking to complete the sacraments of initiation are encouraged to participate as well.

We also welcome fully initiated Catholics who would like to increase their understanding of the Catholic Church and deepen their faith to join us.

Through OCIA a person takes a journey with an OCIA Team to learn about coming closer to God and having a conversion of mind and heart. You learn how the Catholic Church was formed and many of the particulars that are unique to Catholicism.

Maybe you are Catholic and need to brush up on your faith or are just curious about the Catholic Church...this is your place to start! OCIA is open to all people, whether you are baptized in the Catholic faith or another Christian faith or unbaptized.

Who should attend?

• Those seeking to join the Catholic Church through Baptism and Conversion

• Sponsors and godparents for Catechumens and Candidates

• Adult Catholics seeking to complete the Sacraments of Initiation with the reception of Eucharist and Confirmation

• All people seeking a richer understanding of the Catholic Faith.

What is the OCIA Process?

• Pre-catechumenate (Inquiry)

This is a time, no fixed duration, for inquiry and introduction to Gospel values expressed in Catholic Christian life and belief. It recognizes the presence of conversion.

• The Catechumenate

A time of formation and discernment and preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.

• Purification and Enlightenment

Intense spiritual preparation through interior reflection. Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.

• Mystagogy

The period where Neophytes make the paschal mystery part of their everyday lives as they take their place among the faithful.

Adult Confirmation

For those who had not received the Sacrament of Confirmation as a child and have received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist, there is an Adult Confirmation program.

If the person needing this sacrament is still in high school, please contact the pastoral staff for individual case-by-case handling.

Twice a year the Archdiocese of Detroit confirms adults on Pentecost Sunday in the spring and on Christ the King Sunday in the fall. Participation in a preparation program is required. It is held 6 weeks before the Confirmation dates from the Archdiocese.