What is OCIA?

Experiencing conversion? 

Thinking of becoming Catholic?

Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth

If Israel escaped from Egypt guided by God's pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21),

can we find respite in Jesus Christ and the Church he founded? 

Come and see...

Adults interested in learning more about the Catholic Church, and those ready to complete formal studies for becoming a Catholic are invited to attend OCIA information sessions beginning

on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 9:45 a.m. in the O'Hare Center (building directly behind the church).

To find out more about the Church of the Nativity OCIA program,

please click 2024-2025 brochure

Adults interested in Catholicism are invited to attend the 2024-2025 Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA, formerly RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

OCIA is a faith formation series for adults who have never been baptized or were baptized in another Christian denomination and are now considering becoming Catholic. It is also for Catholic adults who never received First Communion and Confirmation. We also welcome those who have been away from the faith and who wish to return.

We will meet weekly for study, prayer and discussion in preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 19, 2025.

We will accept new participants through September and October. 

• Class begins September 22nd
• Sunday classes at 9:45 a.m. (before the 11:30 a.m. Mass)
• Classes will be held in the O'Hare Center (the building behind the church)

Catholic adults who need Confirmation only are prepared by the archdiocese in a separate program. Please  contact one of the coordinators noted below.

OCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.

Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is a pilgrimage that lasts a lifetime!  There are six steps:

• This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry.  Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit.  This is a time for seeking and reflection.

Order of Inititation

• The first Order in the OCIA process, the Order of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.

Catechumenate

• The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church.  This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine.  Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.

Rite of Election

• Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.

Purification and Enlightenment

• The Elect, as well as those who assist them and participate in the celebration of the Easter Vigil with them, are encouraged to keep and extend the paschal fast of Good Friday, and throughout the day of Holy Saturday until the end of the Vigil itself.  At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the OCIA  process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Mystagogy

• This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means "leading into the mystery" and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.

Those who are committed to becoming members of the Body of Christ through OCIA need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. Meanwhile, an enthusiastic team of instructors will be present throughout, providing guidance and encouragement. Those who are prepared to move forward will celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Please contact one of the coordinators below:

• Mary Rudolph at  mem.rudolph@gmail.com
• Joan Desmond at  jfdesmond@aol.com
• Hal Fletcher at hal.fletcher@gmail.com
• Or the Rectory Office at 650-323-7914

If you would like more information, please fill out the Contact Us form fields below.  Alternatively, if you are ready to register now, please fill out the  OCIA registration form   and email to Mary Rudolph at  mem.rudolph@gmail.com.