The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)* refers to the process by which adults become members of the Catholic Church through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). During this journey, each adult who is seeking to become Catholic is introduced to the fundamentals of faith and engaged to deepen their relationship with Christ. The process reaches its high point with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
*The acronym "OCIA" refers to the book which lays out the norms for the Christian Initiation process, which was recently re-translated in 2024. This new translation replaced the former Rite of Christian Initiation, which was often abbreviated "RCIA."Every Sunday morning, people at various stages of their faith journey come together in a welcoming, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere to learn more about what it means to be Catholic. We seek to provide an environment for shared spiritual growth and a means to explore and ask questions about faith, God, and life in a supportive and affirming environment.
We meet from mid-September until mid-May on Sunday mornings from approximately 10:00 am until 12:00 pm.
Everything begins first with God seeking you more than you could possible ever seek God! So if you feel this tug on your heart, please contact John Livingston, Director of Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation, jlivingston@stpeterkirkwood.org or 314-822-1347 x 4.
O God, we thank you for planting the gift of faith in human hearts.
We thank you for sending Jesus, Your Son, as the fullness of your
love. May His life and mission lead us to share in your divine life.
Today, we ask you to bless in a special way all inquirers,
Catechumens and Candidates who have generously responded to the
invitation of Jesus: “Come follow me.” Help them to persevere in their
journey of faith despite any difficulties. Bless those who minister
through the RCIA process so that under the guidance of your Holy
Spirit, they may lead others to a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Grant
that all parishioners will take an active role in bringing new members into the Church.
Call us all to a renewal of our faith and inspire us to
be your light in the world. We ask this through your
Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Amen.