o.C.I.A.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Catholic Formation for Adults
Considering joining the Catholic Church? This is your personal invitation.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), is the Church's way to welcoming adults into the Catholic faith through formation, study, and prayer. Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the program guides those who have never been baptized as Catholic, or to those who have not completed their first Communion or the Confirmation sacraments.
OCIA offers a gradual path of learning, discernment, and participation in the life of the Church community.
We come together in a small group to learn more about the faith and to prepare individuals to celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
All are welcome to grow in faith with us at St. Clare of Assisi.
Start Your Journey
Begin your OCIA journey by completing the form below. This simple first step helps us get to know you, understand your faith background, and accompany you more personally as you explore the Catholic Church. Once submitted, a member of our team will reach out to welcome you and guide you through the next steps of the process.
OCIA Intake Form
Sponsor Information
A sponsor is someone who stands beside you as you grow in faith during your OCIA journey. He or she should be a fully initiated Catholic, actively practicing the faith and living in harmony with the teachings of the Church.
The Sponsor Form must be filled up and submitted before the OCIA program ends, but you are welcome to begin the process even if you do not yet have a sponsor at registration.
Download the form here:
OCIA Youth Safety Program
St. Clare’s OCIA Youth Program participates in the Empowering God’s Children & Young People© Safety Program, an Archdiocesan initiative dedicated to protecting the well‑being of all young people. This annual formation is to help high school teens be aware of the importance of healthy relationships with peers, adults, and others online.
Parents and guardians of OCIA Youth participants are asked to submit the required OCIA Youth Program Permission Form. This ensures that your teen may take part in the safety lesson as part of their ongoing OCIA formation.
For questions or to review the program materials, please contact:
Anita Mendoza Arana
OCIA Administrator
661-252-3353
Download the OCIA Youth Permission Form below:
OCIA Team
General Information and Inquiries:
Need more information? Let us know! Contact our dedicated team to help you on your journey of faith.
Anita Mendoza Arana
OCIA Administrator
✉︎ a.mendoza@st-clare.org
☏︎ 661-252-3353
OCIA
Spanish
Deacon Antonio Arana
✉︎
arana@st-clare.org
OCIA
English
Deacon Gary Smith
✉︎
g.smith@st-clare.org
Adult Confirmation
Adults who have received Baptism and First Holy Communion but have not yet been confirmed, and you need further information regarding preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, you may contact:
Nancy Arriaga
☏︎ (661) 298-6950
About OCIA
OCIA Inquiry
Discover the Journey: Watch and Learn What OCIA Is All About.
Want to learn more about the OCIA journey into the Catholic Church? Watch this short YouTube video for a helpful introduction to the process, including what to expect, how it nurtures your faith, and how our parish community will walk with you every step of the way.
Sacrament of Initiation
See how the
Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated in the OCIA process—watch here:
Experience the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith as adults receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist through the OCIA process. This video offers a glimpse into the sacred moments that mark the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ and His Church
