Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

For more information, please fill out the form below, contact the office (719-481-3511) or email Deacon Nolan Behr ([email protected]).

The Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs Sacramental Preparation Policies
​Student Calendar - updated version 16 March 2025.
Changes in RED.
The end of year critique is due by the last class of the year. You are encouraged to start filling it out before the end of class. It is attached in a WORD format so you can fill it out online, save it as a WORD DOCUMENT under your name (example: Michael Heredia Critique) and send it to me at [email protected] upon completion. Alternatively, we will make time at the last formal class of the year for you to fill it out manually and submit it personally. This document is an essential component of our curriculum design and is carefully reviewed. Please ensure you fill it out completely and thoughtfully.  Direct any questions to Michael Heredia at [email protected]. Thanks in advance for your insights and recommendations.
Is Catholicism calling?
Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith? OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process that includes weekly classes where you will be introduced to the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Deacon Tom Dickinson and his team of Catechists will help you explore what it means to be a Christian and prepare you to enter fully into our faith community through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. We welcome all who are new to the faith, the baptized or unbaptized, Catholics who have not completed the sacraments, and anyone who is simply searching for God. OCIA begins in the fall and concludes in the spring. For more information, contact Deacon Nolan Behr ([email protected]).

Sponsors needed: Confirmed, practicing Catholics who would like to participate in the OCIA process as a sponsor are invited to contact Deacon Tom.

    OCIA Inquiry Form
What is OCIA
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a communal process and involves a number of stages punctuated by liturgical rites to aid and assist the potential convert toward the final rite, usually at the Easter Vigil at which time they will become full members of the Catholic Church, with reception of appropriate sacraments. The entire process at St. Peter takes several months, from the fall of the year to the next Easter vigil.

The process includes Catechumens, Candidates and Inquirers. Catechumens are people who have never been baptized by any Christian Church. Candidates are individuals who have been baptized in any Christian church (including Roman Catholics) but have not been confirmed in the Catholic Church. Inquirers are those who want to know more about the Roman Catholic Church; the Inquirers who wish to continue move onto the next stage to become Catechumens or Candidates.
Neophytes
The Neophytes ministry is a continuation of OCIA. Following the OCIA year, the neophyte year brings the neophytes (formerly candidates or catechumens) and their sponsors to continue to meet and learn more about being Catholic and inviting them to discern where God is calling them to be in the various ministries of the Church and community.