Becoming Catholic
Are you interested in becoming Catholic?
Join us for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) which helps people in their journey to enter the Catholic Church.
What is the OCIA?
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), also called the Catechumenate, is a process of initiation into the Catholic Community of Faith for persons who are experiencing a conversion in their lives and seeking either Christian baptism in the Catholic Church or full Communion with the Catholic tradition of Eucharist and Confirmation.
It is a process which enables the study of the Gospels, Catholic Christian teaching, the acceptance of Christian values and morality, the development and deepening of a life of prayer and action with the support and involvement of the local Christian community. The OCIA is more than a course of instruction. It is a process of conversion, designed to meet the unique and individual needs of the participants.
Who is OCIA for?
- Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith
- Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism, or Profession of Faith
- Those who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received religious education, Confirmation, or First Eucharist.
Sign Up Now!
At Our Lady of Wisdom, we welcome your questions and experiences. You’ll hear from your peers about their journeys in living the Catholic faith. While nothing excites us more than welcoming new members into our Catholic family, we’ll never pressure you—this is your journey.
After you begin OCIA, we’ll get to know each other and personalize your experience. You’re invited to bring a sponsor or companion to our meetings and encouraged to attend Mass to experience what Catholics believe and how we worship. In OCIA, we’ll explore 24 Catholic topics and discuss what it’s like to live as a Catholic.
Fill out the form below to join the OCIA. We look forward to being part of your journey!
The Sacraments
The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church are received as gifts from Jesus Christ to deepen our friendship with Him and to aid our Christian journey into the fullness of eternal life at crucial moments. Sacraments are for full members of the Church. We are excited to explore these graces with you.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation, or Confession, restores our relationship with Christ and the Church through an intimate experience of His mercy. The sacrament is widely available at Our Lady of Wisdom. Here is a guide if you’re exploring the sacrament or it has been a while. Non-Catholic students at the University of Nevada, Reno, and other adults can prepare to receive this sacrament through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.
Eucharist
The sacrament of the Eucharist completes and nourishes the Christian life, uniting us most intimately with Jesus through the reception of His Body and Blood. It is the source and summit of Catholic Christian life, as everything the Church believes, receives, and desires flows to and from this Most Blessed Sacrament. For University of Nevada, Reno students and other adults, the Eucharist is received for the first time through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.
Confirmation
Confirmation strengthens and seals the Christian life through the Gift of the Holy Spirit. It is often sought by University of Nevada, Reno students who wish to be spiritually strengthened so as to be witnesses of Jesus. Students and other adults can seek this sacrament through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.
Marriage
The sacrament of marriage between a man and a woman reflects the eternal covenant between God and His people, Christ and His Bride, the Church. Through their vows, a man and woman are joined by the Holy Spirit and transformed into one flesh. Our Lady of Wisdom celebrates Roman Catholic weddings and prepares couples for marriage at other locations. To begin the process, schedule a personal appointment by calling the church. If you’re engaged—congratulations!
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament of service through which a man, called by Jesus, is ordained and configured to Him as Head and Shepherd of the Church. Our Lady of Wisdom has a rich tradition of fostering discernment for the priesthood and consecrated life. Men are encouraged to discern the priesthood through spiritual direction, prayer, discernment retreats, and guidance from our Vocation Director.
While not a sacrament, the discernment of consecrated life by men and women is also highly encouraged. Please reach out to a priest through our staff page for guidance in this journey.
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick brings healing to the soul, mind, and body. This sacrament is recommended for anyone who is gravely ill, facing serious surgery, or dealing with a new, serious, or uncertain diagnosis. Last Rites, which include Confession, Anointing, Eucharist, and the Apostolic Pardon, are administered to those facing imminent or certain death. The sacrament can be requested by calling the office: (775) 322-4336