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Thinking about exploring the Catholic faith? The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) provides you with a pathway for discovering more about what it means to be Catholic. Whether you have no background in faith at all, or you stepped away before you received First Eucharist or Confirmation, OCIA is for all adults who think they might be ready to embrace the love of Christ in community with the Church.
So, who can join OCIA? The OCIA process is designed for those who are interested in joining the Church through Baptism, and those who have been validly baptized in another Christian tradition and are now seeking the Full Communion with the Catholic Church. The OCIA is also a wonderful process for adults who were baptized Catholic but have yet to receive First Eucharist and Confirmation.
If you're ready to take this exciting step, the OCIA community is here to support you every step of the way!
Summary Chart: ‘Welcoming New Disciplesʼ - OCIA Catechumens / OCIA Candidates / Confirmation
OCIA Adult Inquirer Sample Form
OCIA Child/Teen Inquirer Sample Form
OCIA Child/Teen Parentʼ Active Participation Sample Form
Sunday, March 2 | 1:00pm
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, WI
Registration for 2025 will open in late January.
The Diocesan Rite of Election (for Catechumens; those who are yet to be baptized) and Call to Continuing Conversion (for Candidates for the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, already baptized and awaiting First Communion and Confirmation) is held annually at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, on the First Sunday of Lent.
At the Rite of Election, after the testimony of sponsors and catechists and the catechumens' affirmation of their intention to join the Church, the Church makes its "election" of the catechumen to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil. They are now called "the elect" and begin a Period of Purification and Enlightenment for the remainder of Lent. After the Easter Vigil they enter a Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy in which they increase their understanding of the mysteries of the faith and strengthen their bonding with the rest of the faithful. This period normally ends around Pentecost.
Candidates for Full Communion (Baptized Christians who have not received First Communion/Confirmation seeking Full Communion of the Catholic Church) participate in the Call to Continuing Conversion which is combined with the Rite of Election.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
140 South Monroe Avenue
Green Bay, WI 54301
Interactive Map
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Green Bay and host for this liturgy. Free parking is available in the Cathedral parking lot.
Inquiry Questions: Dcn. Mike Eash 920-272-8270
Formation Questions: Kately Javier 920-272-8305
Liturgy Questions: Gerard Hall 920-272-8311