Order of Christian Initiation for Adults

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process that guides individuals through various spiritual stages, allowing them to progressively deepen their commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church. Throughout the journey, participants prepare for and ultimately receive the Sacraments of Initiation, which include Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion/Eucharist. This process is also open to baptized individuals seeking full communion and un-catechized baptized Catholics.

OCIA at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Kansas City

Our parish's OCIA classes are specifically tailored for individuals who are seeking to understand the core teachings, traditions, and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Our main goal is to provide participants with a warm and comprehensive introduction to the Catholic faith and inspire them to live a fulfilling and devoted Catholic life. Our Lady of Perpetual Help offers weekly classes that dive into Catholic doctrine and faith, while also exploring other important and relevant topics for those interested in the Catholic Church. Our aim is to help each participant experience a personal encounter with Jesus through their study, reflection, and lively discussions about the Catholic Church. Join us!

If you have any questions about our OCIA process, feel free to reach out to our Pastoral Associate Edith Montes-Jankowski at faithformation@olphkc.org. We are here to help!

Who can join OCIA?

OCIA welcomes anyone who is interested in exploring the possibility of joining the Catholic faith or anyone who simply wants to learn more about the Catholic faith. This includes:
  • Individuals who have never been baptized.
  • Individuals who have been baptized in a different faith tradition but are interested in Catholicism.
  • Individuals who have been baptized as Catholics but have not yet received all their initiation sacraments (Holy Communion and/or the sacrament of Confirmation).

OCIA Process

The process of becoming a Catholic, known as OCIA, is built on the idea that adults develop their faith through different stages.

Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate — Inquiry Stage
During this period, the powerful and loving redemption offered by the living God is proclaimed to all. It is a time when individuals are called to embrace the teachings of Christ, taking their first steps in the profound journey of discipleship and faith.

During this initial stage of the process, you are encouraged to explore your questions without feeling pressured to make a definitive commitment to join the Catholic Church. Our objective is to provide you with essential information to help you determine if the Catholic Church aligns with your beliefs and values. If you decide not to proceed beyond the Inquiry Stage, you will have gained a better understanding of the Catholic Church and dispelled any misconceptions. If you choose to continue, we aim for this stage to establish a strong informational foundation for your ongoing initiation.

Catechumenate (Catechesis) Stage
That period following initial conversion when the integral teaching of the Eternal Word of God is shared in a systematic and organic fashion so that the seed of faith can grow in the person.

The root word of catechumenate is “conversion”. Our goal during this stage of the process is to enable you, a committed candidate for initiation, to use the tools of the Catholic faith tradition to deepen your own faith conversion. This involves delving into the Sunday Scripture readings from Mass, which serve as the fundamental source of study. Through in-depth sessions, we examine the application of these readings in the everyday lives of individuals and their significance in shaping the collective identity of the Church.

Purification and Enlightenment
The period following systematic and organic instruction in the faith that concentrates upon more intense spiritual preparation, interior reflection, and repentance geared toward a firm purpose of amendment.

Mystagogy and Mission
After one has experienced an authentic conversion to Jesus Christ, has received the deposit of the faith, and has turned one’s life over to Christ in obedience to His commandments, one is prepared to live a full and fruitful sacramental life in the Church and is equipped to follow Christ with purpose and mission.

Mystagogia translates as “living into the mystery.” The sessions during this stage of the process offer you continued support, as you live into the mystery of being a Catholic.

Meet Our Formation Team

Pastor
Rev. Donald Berry Willard, C.Ss.R
816.561.3771 ext. 237
pastor@olphkc.org
Pastoral Associate
Edith Montes-Jankowski
816.561.3771 ext. 237
faithformation@olphkc.org
Catechesis Committee
Jim Stanley
OCIA for Adults and OCIC for children

Joshua Johnson
OCIA for Adults