The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
(O.C.I.A.)
is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life.

It is often abbreviated as "OCIA" .  The O.C.I.A. is a communal process and involves a number of stages
punctuated by liturgical rights to aid and assist the potential convert toward the final rite, usually at the Easter Vigil,
when they will become full members of the Roman Catholic Church.

The regular sessions for inquirers begin in the fall, but inquiries are welcome at any time throughout the year.
Membership is open to adults ages 18 and up. The entire process takes several months, but participants are generally
invited to proceed at a pace which suits them individually.

An invitation is extended to...

• Those who are unbaptized
• Those baptized in the Catholic Church who have not received the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation
• Those baptized in another Christian Church who are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church

The St. William community invites you to meet with us regarding the Catholic Church and our parish community. 
We are here to assist people who would like to experience full communion in the Catholic church and the richness of the Christian life.

• If you have considered joining the Roman Catholic Church, feel free to inquire. 
• If you have a relative, friend, or acquaintance who is not a Roman Catholic and has
  expressed a desire to learn more about the Catholic faith, invite them to call us. 

Call the parish office for more information 239-261-4883.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Church prefers to call this the process and not a program. 
• A catechumen is a person who has never received baptism.
• A candidate is a person who was already baptized.
• The Catholic Church acknowledges other Christian baptisms
  as long as the Trinitarian formula “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”
  and flowing water was used.