We invite you to look deeper into the richness of our Catholic faith through our Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program. OCIA is an educational and spiritual formation process in which conversion of the heart brings one to Jesus Christ through learning, discussion, prayer, and community. Whether you are simply curious to learn more about our Catholic faith or seriously contemplating joining the Catholic Church, we are here to accompany you on your journey. We strive to help individuals learn about God and our Catholic faith so that they can begin to discern the voice of God. Designed to help individuals grow closer to God, these weekly sessions allow participants to explore and build upon their existing faith to help them discern if joining the Catholic Church, or completing one's initiation into the Church, is what they desire.

 

To become a full member of the Catholic Church, individuals receive the three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Individuals are prepared to receive these Sacraments through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. These newcomers then receive the Sacraments of Initiation during our Easter Vigil celebration and are officially welcomed into our parish family.

OCIA is intended for:

  • Unbaptized adults considering entrance into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation [Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist] (known as Catechumens)
  • Adults Baptized in another Christian faith, who wish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church (known as Candidates)
  • Baptized Catholics who wish to receive First Communion and/or Confirmation to complete their initiation (also referred to as Candidates).

Our OCIA program is led by Deacon Pat Valdez (accompanied by his wife Liz and Anita Martinez) who walk together with our candidates and catechumens on their journey of discernment, preparing and supporting them throughout the entire process, which traditionally begins in the fall [September/October] and continues through Easter.

If you are uncertain if OCIA is a good fit for you, please know that we welcome those who are still questioning and exploring, and we are here to assist you along the way. For additional information, please contact Deacon Pat Valdez or leave a message with the parish office at (505) 632-2014.


Sponsoring a Candidate

Each candidate or catechumen in OCIA is sponsored by a confirmed Catholic in good standing. At the beginning of each session, the OCIA program is in need of Catholics who are willing to sponsor candidates and catechumens. The sponsor assists candidates or catechumens in their discernment and learning process. Sponsors do not need to attend every session with the candidate or catechumen, but we ask that the sponsor make every reasonable effort to be present with the candidate or catechumen as much as possible.

Many sponsors find that the OCIA sessions are a way to renew their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and, at the same time, to walk with the candidate or catechumen as they enter the Catholic faith.