*   Note, by the end of the calendar year of 2024, the RCIA will be henceforth referred to as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

The RCIA/OCIA, which stands for Rite (Order) of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized and baptized men and women (age 7 and older) enter the Catholic Church. It includes various stages marked by study, prayer and rites during the Order of the Mass. Participants in the RCIA/OCIA are known as Catechumens (the unbaptized_ or Candidates (the baptized).

What are the steps of Christian Initiation?          

(from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB))

Diocesan-Level Instructions:

Diocese RCIA Guidelines (promulgated September 1, 2010)

Diocese RCIA Guidelines Attachment (promulgated September 1, 2010)

Parish-Level Instructions:

2022 2023 Parish level RCIA Guidelines and Handbook

Article, Apostles Creed

Article, Nicene Creed

Article, List and References of the Parables of Jesus

Article, The Catholic Deposit of Faith and the Holy Spirit of God

Baptism, Confirmation and RCIA Sponsor Certificate of Eligibility

Miscellaneous/General Instructions:

Implications of Marital and Annulments Issues on the RCIA Process   

  (*** Informational only:  Published by the Archdiocese of Atlanta)