The Diocese of Belleville welcomes new members.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the spiritual process by which one is initiated into the Catholic Church.


If you are considering the possibility of becoming Catholic or finding out more information about OCIA, please contact a local parish here

The Pastor or others from the parish trained in the OCIA can meet with you and answer questions that you may have. There is no commitment necessary, as you continue to seek where God might be calling you. The Diocese of Belleville has sixty-four (64) active OCIA programs that would be happy to play a part in your faith journey.

OCIA involves a combination of faith formation elements and liturgical elements.
If you have questions regarding faith formation, please contact the Office of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry.
If your questions pertain to liturgical elements, please contact the Office of Worship.

“We cannot forget that evangelization is first and foremost about preaching the Gospel to those who do not know Jesus Christ or who have always rejected him.”  -Pope Francis


OCIA Forms and Resources

Registration and Inquiry
Fillable Inquirer Form - (English) (Español)
Printable Inquirer Form - (English) (Español)

OCIA Inquirer Form Guidance
Printable  Form - (English)

Useful Downloadable Resources
Steps to Becoming Catholic - The OCIA Process
Important Events -
Who Needs What
Required OCIA Rites 
What Can We Use - Suggested OCIA Resources

The Scrutinies
First Scrutiny -
Commentary
Reflection Guide

Second Scrutiny -
Commentary

Third Scrutiny -
Commentary
Reflection Guide

Additional Resources
What is OCIA - USCCB Teaching

What Changed -
RCIA to OCIA
Meet OCIA

Accompaniment - 
Persons with Disabilities 
Special Needs
Other Tools