What is OCIA?
 
OCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process for adults who want to become Catholics. It is an opportunity for adults to learn more about Catholic beliefs and practices and the values that shape our lives. Adults, who choose to do so receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation during the Easter Vigil. It is the culmination of a new life in Christ.
  
 Why is OCIA Important?
 
 You may have a family member or friend who is Catholic. You may be dating, engaged or married to a Catholic. You may be unbaptized or baptized in another Christian tradition. You may have been baptized a Catholic, but never received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Throughout the year, many come forward seeking to learn about the Catholic faith. If you are interested in learning about the Catholic faith or are thinking about becoming a Catholic, please call us at the Parish Office 301-567-5506 or call Mike Maxey 301-536-1543. "Inquiry" is the first step in the process of discerning one's commitment to full initiation into the Catholic Church. Many of our parishioners went through the OCIA process at St. Columba. Many have expressed profound gratitude for being invited into the Catholic Church and for the way the Church has changed their lives because they have been introduced to a more perfect union with GOD, the power of the Holy Spirit, the abundance of grace obtained through the Sacraments, and the wisdom of GOD through the richness of the Catholic Church.
 
 Who should sign-up for OCIA?
  
 Any adult, 16 years or older, non-Catholic, or even an adult baptized Catholic who has not received First Communion or Confirmation may join OCIA. Good candidates are parents, in-laws, co-workers, friends, spouse or fiance'.
  
 Where and When we meet?
 The 2016-2017  OCIA Group does gather every Saturday, September through April, at 9:30 a.m. in the 8th grade class room just next to the Library and Father Dewan Hall. 
 

OCIA (The Office of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Do you know someone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith?  Perhaps you are thinking about what it means to be called to the Catholic way of life.  The Church has a process called the Office of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) whereby adults can learn and discern whether to become Catholic Christians.  The process leads an-unbaptized adult to his or her baptism, usually at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.  If the adult has been baptized in another Christian tradition, then the process prepares the person to be received into the Catholic Church by making a profession of faith as a Catholic.  The process also prepares the way for someone who was baptized in the Catholic Church to receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation.  Here at Saint Columba, the OCIA meets on Saturday mornings at 9:30 AM from until 11:00 AM beginning in September and continuing through May.  Each morning we explore a different topic with lecture/discussion facilitated by one of the OCIA team members.  Our goal is to help you on your spiritual journey as you come to know Jesus through the Scriptures, the teachings of the Catholic Church, prayer and worship, and the community of Saint Columba.  You will be accompanied on your journey by a Catholic sponsor, usually a friend, who is there to help answer questions and support you.  To know more about the OCIA process, call the Parish Office at 301-567-5506 or call Mike Maxey at 301-536-1543.