"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." — John 12:26

Order Of Christian Initiation For Adults (OCIA)

Many adults entering the Catholic Church, or those just exploring the faith, follow a process known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). 

This program is a a journey of conversion and initiation into the Catholic Church. It offers a supportive space to encounter God and respond to His invitation to a new way of life in the Faith. Rooted in respect for each person's unique faith journey, OCIA provides time for prayer, study, and fellowship, allowing individuals to grow in their relationship with God and our parish community.
 

Program Update

As we transition our parish staff, full details for the upcoming OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program will be announced at a later date. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, please call the parish office at (412) 531-5964. Our Pastor, Fr. Joseph Uzar, looks forward to speaking with you and answering any questions you may have about the OCIA journey!

The OCIA Process

Inquiry: the initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You're asking questions and checking it out, but aren't yet ready to commit.

Catechumenate: those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you're developing your faith and are being "catechized"—learning catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.

Purification and preparation: The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. If you're following the OCIA process, you'll go through a beautiful series of Gospel-based meditations during Lent.

Initiation: the culmination of the whole process! You're received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where you'll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. (If you've already been baptized, you won't be baptized again.) At St. Paul of the Cross Parish, First Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) is celebrated the Monday of Holy Week.

Mystagogy: after reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.

(This was adapted from beginningcatholic.com)

Christian Initiation Resources

Have questions about the Catholic Faith? These resources can help you find the answers.
 

Get FORMED in the Faith

FORMED offers a complete selection of documentaries, books, movies, bible studies and audio talks on all aspects of the Catholic Faith. St. Paul of the Cross Parish uses many of these resources for adult education classes and sacramental preparation.

Registration is FREE when you sign up with Saint Paul of the Cross Parish! Here's how:
  1. Navigate to FORMED.org
  2. Click on "FORMED FOR INDIVIDUALS"
  3. Enter your email address
  4. Find our parish by entering our zip code 15234 into the field.  Click on "St. Paul of the Cross" when it appears. Then click "next". 
  5. Enter your name and email address in the appropriate fields then click on "sign up"
 
Exploring the beauty of the Catholic Faith has never been easier - at home, in the car, or from any internet connected device !  Discover thousands of content options...there's something for every member of the family to help them grow closer to Christ and His Church.
 

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

For additional explanation and information on the RCIA process: Christian Initiation of Adults | USCCB
 

Beginning Catholic

Additional information about the process of becoming Catholic with answers to common questions, access to Catholic prayers, and Catholic Moral Teaching, all in one place: Starting in the Faith: Catholic RCIA Stages | beginningCatholic.com