What Is OCIA? Three Parishioners Share Their Journey to the Catholic Church
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is quite simply a journey for adults who would like to learn about the Catholic faith and become a full member of the Catholic Church. This is done through sessions, discussion, and prayer.
This journey is offered to:
Adults who have never been baptized
Adults who have been baptized in the Catholic Church, but did not receive Communion and/or Confirmation
Adults baptized in a Christian church (Protestant) who would like to become a member of the Catholic Church
We have asked a few of the newest members of St. Peter the Apostle Parish and the Catholic Church, to share their stories.
Their experiences and their words help us to understand the many different paths that can lead a person to the Catholic Church. Each story is unique, yet each reflects a personal journey of faith, discovery, prayer, and belonging. We hope that by sharing these stories, others who may be considering OCIA will feel encouraged to take that first step and begin their own journey.
My Journey to the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults - OCIA
For many years, I was an active member of St. Peter the Apostle Parish because my son attended and graduated from St. Peter’s Academy.
I also visited churches of other denominations, but for some reason, St. Peter the Apostle Church kept coming back to my heart and my mind. Little by little, I began to feel a strong desire to attend Mass every Sunday. I didn’t want to miss even one Sunday Mass. I wanted to hear more about the Gospel, to learn more about God, and to grow closer to Him.
Then one day, something very special happened. I felt the Holy Spirit calling me. I was on my knees praying, and I began to cry so much. But these were not tears of sadness, they were tears of joy, happiness, gratitude, love, and blessings. My heart felt so full. At that moment, I realized that I was feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was a feeling I had never experienced before. I felt as though God was speaking to my heart and drawing me closer to Him.
That moment changed something inside me. It made me realize how much God had been calling me and how blessed I was to be able to feel His love and presence. Since then, my faith has become even more meaningful to me, and I continue to seek God through the Mass, the Gospel, prayer, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.
-Veronica A. (2026)
I like to think my story is a little different and unique, though it ends the same way many faith journeys do with finding love, belonging, and family.
For most of my life, I searched for God in different places and churches. When I was around 19 years old, I thought I had finally found the right church. Unfortunately, I later realized it was not where God was calling me to be. I often left feeling discouraged, defeated, and judged because I did not look like everyone else. I felt different, and instead of finding acceptance, I felt like I never truly belonged.
Then, at the age of 38, something changed. While talking with Steve and Valerie Mercer, they shared with me about The Little Blue Book they were reading each day during Advent. It may have seemed like a simple conversation, but it sparked something within me. From that day forward, I began to pray more and found myself experiencing a deep sense of peace and calm about what God was calling me to do.
That April, I asked Steve and Valerie if I could attend church with them. The moment I walked through the doors of St. Peter's, I felt something I had been searching for my entire life. I felt accepted. I did not feel judged because of my appearance or who I was. Instead, I felt welcomed, loved, and at peace. For the first time, it felt like I was coming home.
After much prayer and reflection, I knew that becoming part of the Catholic Church was the right path for me. From that moment on, I never looked back.
Chris Black welcomed me with open arms and patiently explained the OCIA process. I wish I could fully describe what it was like to sit in a room each week with Chris, Valerie, Steve, Adi, Martha, Brenda, Richard, and Veronica, but words do not seem enough. Together, we learned, grew, shared, and strengthened our faith. Those experiences have left a lasting impact on both my life and my relationship with God.
Throughout OCIA, I was taught, listened to, and embraced. I was surrounded by people who accepted me for who I am, not for what I could do for them. They became much more than teachers and classmates. They became friends, mentors, and family.
Today, I am grateful for the journey that led me to the Catholic Church. What began as a search for God ultimately led me to a place where I found faith, acceptance, and a family that will always hold a special place in my heart.
-Alicia Rae M. (2026)
My conversion experience came out of the blue – or rather, out of the pitch black, because it was the dead of night. I wasn’t expecting it, I wasn’t thinking about it, I wasn’t contemplating it. It just happened. And when it did, I needed to talk to someone, right away.
But by the time I had wrapped my head around what was happening to me it was 2AM so I eventually went back to bed, and when I woke up the first thing I did was call Father Mike. We met a few days later and I was hoping he would baptize me right then and there, but he explained that that’s not how it worked. He introduced me to Chris Black, who directs the adult faith formation ministry (OCIA), and she walked me through the conversion process. I started attending church every Sunday and a few months later I was officially “introduced” to the church.
In the year that followed, I met with Chris and the wonderful women who were part of the ministry. We would talk about the readings, about what it means to be a Catholic, and most importantly, about God. No idea was dismissed; no question was off-limits. Throughout my amazing journey I was always supported, always respected, always loved. The Holy Spirit never left me, and the best part was that I got to experience the Holy Spirit through other people too. I was Baptized, Confirmed and received Eucharist the following Easter by Father Mike (fun fact - I was honored to be the last person he baptized before he retired!), and a couple years later I joined the OCIA ministry, where I was able to give back and support a new group of people on their journey.
I am so grateful to St. Peter’s and to the OCIA for all the incredible love and support that I received throughout this experience, and which I still feel 4 years later. To anyone who is considering joining the Catholic church – I can honestly say that participating in OCIA has enriched my life in countless ways. It is a time that I will always treasure and remember with true joy and deep gratitude.
-Adi L. (2023)
If you believe the Holy Spirit may be leading you to take that next step, we'd be honored to walk with you. Please contact Christine Black at our Parish Office: 201-261-3366 or cblack@saint-peter.org
Did a face or name come to mind while reading these stories? Perhaps it’s not a coincidence. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is asking something of you, too. Please share this with that person and extend your prayer and encouragement!