Call us: (410) 552-8615 Summer Office Hours (June 1 – Aug 31): By appointment only — email office@sttimsocsp.cc
Become a Member
clergy carrying the paschal candle at the Easter Vigilan adult being baptized at the font
Becoming Catholic

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a journey of conversion and discipleship for those seeking to learn about the Catholic faith or enter into full communion with the Church.

Through Sacred Scripture, the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Tradition, and the teaching of the Church, participants grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and prepare to be fully incorporated into His Mystical Body, the Church.

Start an Inquiry
When & Where

Weekly Sessions at Saint Timothy's

  • Weekly Session

    Begins Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Sessions continue Tuesdays, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Parish Office.

  • Office Location

    1332 Londontown Blvd., Suite 116
    Eldersburg, MD 21784

  • Ready to Ask?

    Open inquiry starts anytime. No formal obligations required.

The Path of Formation

A Treasure to be Shared

As a community of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter established by Pope Benedict XVI, our OCIA process flows from the heart of the English Patrimony, which is to contribute to the making of “better Catholics and more Catholics by fanning the flames of faith, hope, and charity.”

  • 01

    Inquiry

    This period of evangelization aims to nurture and mature one's will to follow Christ and seek Baptism, culminating in the rite of entrance into the catechumenate.

  • 02

    Catechumenate

    This lengthy period aims to deepen one's intimacy and knowledge about the mystery of salvation.

  • 03

    Purification

    A prayerful, reflective step coinciding with Lent to dynamically prepare the soul for the reception of sacraments.

  • 04

    Mystagogy

    The period between Easter and Pentecost in which the Neophyte is embedded deeper into the Christian Life.

Schedule

2026–2027 Schedule for OCIA

Sessions run Tuesday evenings at the Parish Office. Choose a period below to see its sessions.

DateSession
Inquiry
August 4, 202600 — Syllabus Day
August 11, 202601 — Creation & Original Sin
August 18, 202602 — Genesis: The Beginning of Restoration
August 25, 202603 — Personal Sin
September 1, 202604 — The Exodus I: The Passover & Worship
September 8, 202605 — The Exodus II: Mt. Sinai & Covenant
September 15, 202606 — Prayer
September 22, 202607 — The Law and Desert Wandering
September 29, 202608 — The Liturgy Looks Towards the Promise Land
October 3, 2026Inquirer and Sponsor Gathering
October 6, 202609 — The Liturgical Calendar
October 13, 202610 — Conquest and Judges
October 20, 202611 — The Davidic Kingdom
October 27, 202612 — Ecclesiology
November 3, 202613 — Profession of Faith
November 10, 202614 — Exile, Return, and Revolt (Last OT Session)
November 17, 202615 — Eschatology
November 24, 202616 — The Gospels I: Jesus as the new Moses, Torah, and David
Catechumenate
November 29, 2026Entrance into the Order of Catechumens
December 1, 202617 — The Gospels II: Jesus as the Word
December 8, 2026Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
December 15, 202618 — The Gospels III: The Paschal Mystery
December 22, 202619 — Christology
December 29, 2026No Class — Christmas Break
January 5, 202720 — Triune Godhead & Pentecost
January 12, 202721 — Sacraments and the Paschal Mystery
January 19, 202722 — Grace and Man's Response
January 26, 202723 — Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism & Confirmation)
February 2, 2027Candlemas
February 9, 202724 — The Eucharist
Purification
February 10, 2027Ash Wednesday
February 16, 202725 — The Church as the Mystical Body
February 23, 202726 — Mariology
February 28, 2027First Scrutiny
March 2, 202727 — Penance and Anointing of the Sick
March 3, 2027Confession Prep / Adoration
March 7, 2027Second Scrutiny
March 9, 202728 — Marriage and Celibacy
March 14, 2027Third Scrutiny
March 16, 202729 — Holy Orders and the Papacy
March 23, 202730 — Dinner with Father
Mystagogy
March 27, 2027Easter Vigil
March 29, 2027Easter Tuesday — No Class
April 6, 2027Acts of the Apostles
April 13, 2027The English Patrimony
April 20, 2027The Pauline Letters
April 27, 2027Virtues and Ethics
May 4, 2027Revelations
May 11, 2027Fellowship
May 16, 2027Pentecost
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is OCIA?

    OCIA is the process through which adults learn about the Catholic faith and prepare to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, or to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.

  • Who is OCIA for?

    OCIA is for:

    • Anyone who wants to learn more about the Catholic faith, even if they are not sure about becoming Catholic.
    • Adults who have never been baptized.
    • Baptized Christians from other denominations interested in becoming Catholic.
    • Baptized Catholics who have not received First Communion or Confirmation.
  • Do I have to become Catholic if I join OCIA?

    No. Participating in OCIA does not obligate you to become Catholic. Many people attend simply to learn more about the Catholic faith.

  • Can I attend if I'm just curious?

    Absolutely. Questions and honest exploration are encouraged.

  • Is there a deadline to join?

    No, although depending on when a person starts the process and their personal situation, they may not be received into the Church at the same time as the rest of their cohort.

  • What if I cannot make the normal sessions?

    We do not want scheduling conflicts to be the reason that people do not learn about the faith or are received into the Church. The catechist team has a program for those who are eager to learn about the Catholic faith but cannot attend regular sessions.

  • Do I need a sponsor?

    You do not need a sponsor to begin the process. There will be opportunities to meet potential sponsors within the parish community and if needed, the catechist team can assist you in selecting a sponsor.

  • Who can I contact if I have questions?

    You can reach out to a member of our catechist team at rcia@sttimsocsp.cc.

Get Started

Take the First Step

Fill out our inquiry form and a member of the catechist team will be in touch. There is no obligation and no deadline — open inquiry starts anytime. You can also email us directly at rcia@sttimsocsp.cc.

OCIA Inquiry Form
the priest elevating the Host at the altar