Order of Christian Initiation of Adults & Children
Interested in becoming Catholic, finishing your Sacraments of Initiation, or learning more about the faith?
The 2026-27 OCIA Journey begins on Sunday, September 20!
Contact Anne Gerber (rcia@olcshrine.com) for more information.
Join us on an exciting journey in OCIA (Adults) and OCIC (Children)
where you will learn more about the teachings, beliefs, practices, and traditions of the Catholic Church—
and, most importantly, deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and discover what it means to live that relationship each day.
This invitation is especially extended to those adults and children who have:
1 – never been baptized
2 – those baptized in another Christian religion
3 – those baptized in the Catholic Church but never received the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
4 – Catholics who want to learn more about the faith
Every year, thousands of adults all over the world answer God’s call and are initiated into the Catholic Church.
Is this the right time for you?
Come journey with us!
Phases of OCIA
1 – COME & SEE (Evangelization/Precatechumenate)
Inquirers
Explore • Ask • Encounter Christ • Discern
There is no expectation that you have already decided to become Catholic.
Leads to Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate &
Rite of Welcoming the Candidates
↓
2 – FOLLOW ME (Catechumenate)
Catechumens & Candidates
Learn • Pray • Worship • Serve • Live the Faith
Leads to the Rite of Election
↓
3 – PREPARE YOUR HEART (Purification & Enlightenment)
Elect & Candidates
Pray • Reflect • Repent • Prepare
The Elect participate in the Scrutinies during Lent
Leads to Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil
↓
4 – LIVE THE MYSTERY (Mystagogy)
Newly Initiated Catholics/Neophytes
Receive • Reflect • Participate • Go Forth
Leads to Lifelong Discipleship
Formal OCIA weekly sessions meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM in the Office Building next to the Basilica.
Beginning in December, we attend 11:00 AM Mass together.
OCIC is held after school after coordinating with parents.
For information about the OCIA/OCIC process, contact Anne Gerber at 419-396-7107 x111, or RCIA@olcshrine.com.
Conversion Stories — Their Journey Home
Click on name – listen to what led these people to Catholicism.
From Protestantism
- Scott Hahn — Former Presbyterian minister
- Keith Nester — Former Protestant pastor
- Steve Ray — Former evangelical Protestant
From Atheism / Agnosticism
- Jennifer Fulwiler — Former atheist
- Leah Libresco — Former atheist
- Shayne Smith – Former satanist
Unexpected Journeys
- Tammy Peterson — Conversion to Catholicism later in life
- Shia LaBeouf — Actor whose experience portraying Padre Pio led him toward the Catholic faith