Becoming Catholic

Each journey begins with a single step.

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults

“Each of us is the result of a thought from God. Each of us is willed. Each of us is loved. Each of us is necessary.”

Pope Benedict XVI

Are you ready to take the next step?

OCIA is an acronym for the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, the process by which an inquirer above the age of reason formally becomes a Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church.

If you have never been baptized, or were baptized (whether Catholic or from another Christian faith community) but have not completed subsequent Sacraments of Initiation, the Order of Christian Initiation is the bridge to full participation in the sacramental life of the Church. To find out more about the process, click here to read the USCCB’s overview.

Queen of Angels | Port Angeles
St. Joseph | Sequim

For our central region, the first step is to contact the OCIA director. Call the parish office or email us at ocia@clallamcatholic.org to let us know you’re interested in exploring the Catholic faith or returning to it, and we’ll arrange an introductory meeting. The director will help answer questions you might have about the process, learn more about your journey so far, and connect you with the priest or other ministries where necessary (for example, if you have children who you’d like to have baptized or need assistance with marriage).

When you’re ready to get started, you’ll be invited to join the next available Inquiry cohort, during which the basics of the Catholic faith are introduced. This 12-week course is offered three times a year in our central region.

Those ready to continue will be welcomed in a special celebration at Mass (called a rite). They will then begin a period of Catechesis, during which the four pillars of the Catechism — and how to put them into practice in the Christian life — are explored in-depth. This period of instruction and discipleship is broken into three segments of 12 weeks each. A special fourth period during Lent (5-6 weeks) is devoted to deepening prayer and the interior life.

For most, this process will be at least a year, though it may be longer in certain circumstances. Adults who have not been previously baptized will be initiated at an Easter Vigil. Validly baptized Christians may be received into full communion at other times of year, subject to collaborative discernment and pastoral discretion.

For the 2026-2027 formation year, Inquiry tracks will begin in late July, mid-October, and early April.

For those who have already completed inquiry, this year’s Catechesis tracks will also begin late July, mid-October, and early April. 

Inquiry & Catechesis are offered on the same evening at each location, in separate classrooms.

 

Inquirer Registration

St. Anne | Forks

St. Anne begins their OCIA sessions for Forks, Clallam Bay, and surrounding areas in the fall. 

OCIA es el Programa de la Orden de Iniciación Cristiana para Adultos, para aquellos que desean discernir el catolicismo y para aquellos católicos que desean ampliar su comprensión y experiencia de su fe. Domingos por la mañana en inglés a las 9:45 am con la primera sesión el 5 de octubre.

Western Region | 9:45 am, Sundays | 2025-2026 year begins Oct. 5 | at St. Anne (directions)

OCIA Sponsors & Godparents

We are always seeking faithful companions to walk with our inquirers on their journey to becoming Catholic.

A good sponsor doesn’t need to be a skilled catechist, but is simply a fellow pilgrim. As a vital part of the OCIA team, a sponsor’s friendship helps build a strong foundation for a lifelong faith.

Being a sponsor is not only an opportunity to give, but to receive. It is a joy to walk beside someone as they discover for the first time those beautiful truths and spiritual experiences that we often take for granted. Sponsors can learn as much from those we accompany as they can learn from us!

What does a sponsor do?

What does a sponsor do?

Some who are coming into the Church might be in college or very busy with work; they may be caring for a loved one or a young family.  Such folks may appreciate simple gestures like occasional phone calls, or an offer to sit with them during Mass or coffee hour. Others may be lonely or suffering. Many are struggling with fear or facing rejection from friends and family members as they explore the Catholic Church. A sponsor helps matriculate a seeker into the sometimes bewildering bustle of parish life, and serves as a bridge between them and other parishioners.

Some of the ways a sponsor might offer support:

  • Offer to attend Mass with them.
  • Meet up for coffee or go for a walk together.
  • Send a card or note with scripture, saint quote, or an encouraging thought — or just to remind them that you are praying for them.
  • Listen compassionately as they process their experiences.
  • Pray for them (and with them).
  • Join them at OCIA sessions whenever possible.
  • Schedule a regular phone call, to get to know each other and share your journeys with each other, offer encouragement, and share struggles or prayer requests.
  • Make a list of any doctrinal or practical questions that come up during conversations, so you can seek solid answers together from OCIA catechists or clergy.
  • Invite them to participate in parish ministries alongside you.
  • Bring them along to Eucharistic adoration or a group rosary.
  • Serve in the community together.
  • Share a meal.

What are the requirements for a sponsor?

What are the requirements?

There are certain canonical requirements for a sponsor (CIC 872-874).

A sponsor must be:

  • At least 16 years old.
  • An actively practicing Catholic: baptized and confirmed, received 1st Communion and 1st Reconciliation; attends Mass faithfully on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and regularly participates in the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation.
  • Married validly, if married.  A canonically irregular marriage may describe a variety of circumstances. A Catholic who has not been married validly in the Church by a Catholic priest or deacon, or who is currently in a civil marriage where either spouse has been civilly divorced but has not yet received a decree of nullity from the Church, or who is in a same-sex union, are just three examples. If you are unsure about the particulars of your situation or have any questions about this requirement, please contact the parish office and ask to speak confidentially with one of our Tribunal advocates or the pastor, who will be happy to help while respecting your privacy.).
  • Living chastely in accordance with Church teaching (continence/celibacy) if single or in an irregular marriage.
  • Not the parent of the person being sponsored.

Also required is attendance at specific Rites, most of which will be celebrated during Sunday Masses. Most of these take place just before and during Lent, including (for those being baptized) reception at the Easter Vigil. (Specific dates will be announced in advance.)

Queen of Angels & St. Joseph

Sponsors and godparents are asked to attend the 12-week inquiry course where they can get to know the participants and discern potential connections. Sponsors don’t commit to a program; they commit to a person. Each person’s journey is unique and may require different levels of support or lengths of accompaniment. This vital work of companionship is just as important as good catechesis; a sponsor is a critical member of the formation team!

Our faith formation team is dedicated to helping support our sponsors and godparents as they support those who are entering the Church! For more info, please email ocia@opcatholic.org.

Sponsor Registration & Orientation Session

After completing the online application, you will be contacted directly by the OCIA director. Applicants who meet canonical requirements will receive further instruction at an in-person formation and orientation session, which will be made available multiple times per year.

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