Become a Catholic with OCIA - Our Lady of Lourdes Church

The OCIA ( Formerly RCIA) Is A Program For Adults 18 Years Or Older

The Catholic Church welcomes all who desire to learn more about the Catholic faith and to grow closer to Jesus Christ. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) accompanies adults who have never been baptized, Christians baptized in another tradition who are considering full communion with the Catholic Church, and baptized Catholics who have not yet received Confirmation or the Eucharist. Through prayer, instruction, participation in parish life, and personal accompaniment, each person is given time to ask questions, deepen faith, and discern how God may be calling him or her. No prior knowledge of the Catholic faith is required—only an open heart and a willingness to begin the journey.

CALLED, LED, AND NURTURED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

The 2026–2027 OCIA program will begin on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Sessions will be held each Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 210 of the Christian Formation Center. The program will continue through April 13, 2027.

Those who are interested in participating should complete the registration process below.

Registration Process

Print both sides of the Diocesan Registration Form available on this website, or obtain a copy from the Parish Office.
Complete the form and submit it to the Parish Office. At that time, request an interview with a parish priest.
If you have already been baptized, please bring a copy of your baptismal certificate to the interview.

REGISTRATION FORM (FRONT)

REGISTRATION FORM (BACK)

If you are 18 years or older and want to know more about the OCIA Program, please call the Parish Office at 561-483-2440.

GODPARENTS & SPONSORS

Godparents and Sponsors are persons who have known and assisted the Catechumens and Candidates and stand as witnesses to the their moral character, faith, and intention. Godparents and Sponsors accompany the catechumens and candidates primarily at the Rite of Acceptance, the Rite of Election, and at the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. Godparents and Sponsors should be chosen by the catechumens on the basis of spiritual example, good qualities, and friendship. They should be approved by the Priest. Godparents and Sponsors should be chosen before the Rite of Election. A Godparent and Sponsor should:

- Be at least 16 years of age and mature enough to undertake this responsibility;
- Have received the three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist;
- Be a member of the Roman Catholic Church. A baptized and believing Christian from a separated church or community may act as a godparent or Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent, at the request of the parents or Catechumen, and in accordance with the norms for various ecumenical cases.
- Not be under canonical penalty. This also means that they are not restricted from receiving the Eucharist during Mass.
- Live a life of faith
- Not be the mother or father
- Not be a Catholic living in an invalid civil marriage

COMPLETION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
Easter Vigil

The Catechumens and the Candidates from the OCIA Program are fully received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil which is held on the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday.

Let us as a worshipping community remain steadfast in our support, lifting them up in prayer as they navigate their newfound journey of faith.

Let us pray that they may be strengthened, guided, and filled with the Holy Spirit as they grow in their relationship with God and deepen their commitment to living out the Gospel. Amen.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of these newly received members into your Church. Bless them abundantly as they continue to grow in faith and live out their commitment to following Christ. Grant them strength, courage, and joy as they embark on their journey of discipleship. May they always remain steadfast in their love for you and for one another. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.