Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Curious about the Catholic faith?
We'd love to walk with you.
Inquiry, deepened faith, and — for those who feel called — full communion with the Church. All are welcome, no matter where the journey begins.
Dates & Syllabus…Coming Soon!
GROWING IN FAITH AT INCARNATION
Not sure which is for you?
There are two ways to grow deeper here — where you start depends on where you are right now.
THIS PAGE
OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
For anyone exploring the Catholic faith for the first time, returning after time away, or ready to complete Baptism, Confirmation, or Eucharist. OCIA walks you from first questions to full communion with the Church.
A DIFFERENT PATH
ChristLife
For Catholics already in the Church who want to go deeper — a series of small-group courses (Discovering Christ, Following Christ, Sharing Christ) built around prayer, discussion, and community.
MEET THE PROGRAM
Invited: Your Journey into the Catholic Church
This year, Incarnation's OCIA process is built around Invited, a new program from Ascension Press for adults exploring or entering the Catholic Church.
Official program trailer, from Ascension Press.
Presented by: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Mari Pablo, Michael Gormley, Sr. Josephine Garrett, Mark Hart, Jackie & Bobby Angel.
Rather than simply covering doctrine, each of the 28 short video lessons is designed to draw participants into a real relationship with Jesus Christ — meeting people wherever they are, including those carrying doubts or wounds around religion.
28 lessons, about 8–12 minutes each
Follows the OCIA stages: Inquiry, Catechumenate, Purification & Enlightenment, Mystagogy
Prayer, discussion, and at-home reflection woven throughout
Companion videos free in the Ascension app
EVERY SUNDAY
Watch, Then Talk It Through
Each session opens with that week's Invited video, then moves into small-group conversation.
Discussions are facilitated by catechists who are trained to walk with you in your journey of faith.
A chance to ask the questions the video raised, connect the lesson to your own story, and get to know the sponsors, catechists, and fellow participants walking this journey with you. No prior knowledge of the faith is expected — come as you are.
Explore More Resources
Feel free to check out what our library has to offer and stop by our parish to pick up your book(s)!
How Can We Help You?
Whether you're ready to become Catholic, need to complete a sacrament, have been asked to sponsor someone, or feel called to help teach — tell us, and Deacon Jay will follow up personally.
START HERE
Become Catholic or Complete Your Sacraments
New to the Church, returning after time away, or missing Baptism, Confirmation, or Eucharist? Let us know where you're starting from.
WALK WITH SOMEONE
Become a Sponsor
Sponsors accompany a participant through OCIA, offering friendship and the example of a life lived in faith.
Questions? We'd love to talk.
OCIA can feel like a big step — you're never expected to have it figured out before reaching out.
Deacon Jay Boyd
deaconjay@incarnationparish.org
(434) 973-4381
OCIA en Español
Las sesiones en español se reúnen los domingos después de la Misa en español. Traducciones al español de Invited estarán disponibles próximamente.
Comience Aquí
¿Cómo Podemos Ayudarle?
Cuéntenos si desea hacerse católico(a) o completar sus sacramentos.
Padrino/Madrina
Formulario de Padrinos
Si le han pedido ser padrino o madrina, o le interesa serlo.
Catequista
Formulario de Catequista
Comparta su fe ayudando a enseñar OCIA en español.