Order of Christian Initiation of Adults - OCIA
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults - OCIA
A Journey of Faith, Conversion, and Welcome
Welcome to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at St. Martin of Tours Parish!
Whether you are exploring the Catholic faith for the first time, seeking Baptism, returning to your faith journey, or looking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation, we warmly invite you to take this next step with our parish community.
OCIA is the process through which the Catholic Church welcomes and accompanies adults, children, and teens age 7 and older who desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. It is not simply a class, but a journey of faith that includes prayer, learning, reflection, community, and spiritual growth.
Through this process, participants are invited to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, learn about the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, and discern God’s call in their lives. Those who are ready may receive the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist — during the celebration of the Easter Vigil.
No matter where you are in your faith journey, you are welcome here. We look forward to walking with you as you grow closer to Christ and His Church.
Who Participates in OCIA?
OCIA is for anyone seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith and prepare for full participation in the Church. This includes:
Adults Seeking to Become Catholic
Adults who have not been baptized and are seeking to become Catholic participate in OCIA as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation:
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Baptism
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Confirmation
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Holy Eucharist
Adults Baptized in Another Christian Tradition
Adults who have already received a valid Christian baptism in another Christian tradition and are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church participate in OCIA as they prepare to receive:
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Confirmation
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Holy Eucharist
Baptized Catholics Seeking to Complete Their Sacraments of Initiation
Adults who were baptized Catholic but have not received all of the Sacraments of Initiation also participate in OCIA.
For example, adults who were baptized Catholic but have not received Confirmation will journey through the OCIA process rather than a separate Confirmation program. OCIA provides the spiritual formation and preparation needed to receive the Sacraments and continue growing as active members of the Church.
Children and Teens Age 7 and Older
Children and teens ages 7 through 18 who are seeking Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, or full initiation into the Catholic Church participate in the Children and Teen OCIA process.
Because children age 7 and older are considered capable of personal faith development, they receive formation appropriate for their age as they prepare to encounter Christ through the Sacraments.
The OCIA Journey
OCIA follows the Church’s model of gradual conversion and preparation. Throughout the year, participants experience different periods of formation through:
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Prayer and reflection
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Learning about Scripture and Catholic teaching
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Participation in the life of the Church
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Building relationships within the parish community
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Liturgical rites that mark important steps in the journey
Sponsors play an important role by accompanying participants, offering encouragement, and walking with them throughout the process. Participants who need assistance finding a sponsor will be supported by the OCIA team.
Expectations for OCIA Participants
OCIA is a meaningful commitment of faith. Participants are encouraged and expected to:
Participate in Sunday Mass
The Eucharist is the center of Catholic life. Regular participation in Sunday Mass is an essential part of growing in relationship with Christ and becoming connected to the parish community.
Grow in Prayer
Participants are encouraged to develop a personal prayer life and spend time deepening their relationship with God.
Engage in Formation Sessions
OCIA sessions provide opportunities to learn about:
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The life and teachings of Jesus Christ
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Sacred Scripture
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The Sacraments
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The Mass and Catholic worship
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Prayer and Catholic spiritual practices
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Christian moral living
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The history and mission of the Church
Participate in Parish Life
Faith grows within a community. Participants are encouraged to become active members of the St. Martin of Tours parish family.
Adult OCIA Process
Adult OCIA sessions are designed for adults seeking to explore or deepen their Catholic faith. Sessions include teaching, discussion, prayer, and opportunities to ask questions in a welcoming environment.
2026–2027 Adult OCIA Schedule
Sessions are held:
Sundays after the 10:30 AM Mass
Approximately 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Parish Office Conference Room
Sponsors are welcome and encouraged to attend sessions.
The OCIA year includes:
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Beginning formation sessions focused on faith, Jesus Christ, Scripture, prayer, and the Catholic Church
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Continued formation on the Sacraments, Christian living, and discipleship
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Liturgical rites throughout the year, including:
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Rite of Acceptance
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Rite of Election
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Scrutinies
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Celebration of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil
Easter Vigil Celebration of Sacraments
Saturday, March 27, 2027
(Time to be announced)
At the Easter Vigil, those who are ready will celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation:
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Baptism
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Confirmation
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Holy Eucharist
Children and Teen OCIA Process
Children and teens ages 7–18 journey through OCIA in an environment designed for their age and stage of faith development.
The process includes:
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Learning about Jesus and the Catholic faith
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Understanding Scripture and Church teachings
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Growing in prayer
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Participating in parish worship and community
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Preparing for the Sacraments they are seeking to receive
Parents and guardians play an essential role in supporting their child’s faith journey through prayer, participation in Mass, and involvement in the formation process.
2026–2027 Children and Teen OCIA Schedule
Sessions are held:
Sundays after the 10:30 AM Mass
Approximately 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Bailey House
Sponsors are welcome and encouraged to attend sessions.
Children and teens also participate in the OCIA rites throughout the year, leading toward the celebration of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
Easter Vigil Celebration of Sacraments
Saturday, March 27, 2027
(Time to be announced)
Registration Information
Registration for the 2026–2027 OCIA process is now open.
Please complete the appropriate registration packet below:
Children and Teens (Ages 7–18)
Registration Deadline:
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Registration Fee:
$200 per participant
Registration materials, required documents, and payment should be submitted to:
Faith Formation Office
St. Martin of Tours Parish
200 O’Connor Drive
San Jose, CA 95128
Required Documents
Depending on your sacramental history, additional documents may be required.
Examples include:
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Birth certificate (for those seeking Baptism who have not been baptized)
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Baptism certificate (for those who have received a valid Christian baptism)
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Other sacramental records as applicable
The Faith Formation Office will assist you in understanding what documents are needed for your particular situation.
Questions?
We are here to accompany you throughout this journey of faith.
For more information about OCIA at St. Martin of Tours Parish, please contact:
Ed Ibarra
Catechetical Director
Email: eibarra@stmartin.org
Phone: (408) 294-8953 ext. 321