Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
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The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) welcomes adults who want to become Catholic or complete their initiation into the Church. Questions are welcome. Your next step begins with a conversation.
Where do I begin?
I have never been baptized.
Contact our OCIA team to discuss preparation for Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
I was baptized in another Christian church.
Our team will listen to your story and help you understand the path toward full communion with the Catholic Church.
I was baptized Catholic and want to complete my initiation.
Tell us which sacraments you have received. We will help you find the preparation appropriate to your situation.
I am asking for a child or teenager.
Please contact the parish so we can connect you with preparation appropriate to your child’s age. You can also explore Faith Formation.
Talk with us
Contact Father Jerzy Pikulinski at FrJerzy@saintelizabeths.org or 201-891-1122, ext. 209. Ask about the current schedule and the next opportunity to begin.
SAINT ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY · OCIA
Your story. Your next step.
A few questions. A clearer picture of your journey into the Catholic Church—or toward completing your initiation.
YOUR STORY
Who is this journey for?
Age helps us distinguish adult OCIA from preparation adapted for children.
YOUR JOURNEY TAKES SHAPE HERE
A place to begin.
Answer a few questions to see the pathway that fits your story.
Your storyFormationLife in ChristHow this guide works · sources and baptism reference
Church names help identify the likely pathway. Water, the baptismal formula, intent, records, and the exact community matter. “Ordinarily recognized” describes a tradition, not an individual sacramental ruling. Missing paperwork or not remembering the words is not, by itself, a reason to repeat Baptism.
Some published lists differ, especially for Pentecostal, Adventist, Mennonite, Moravian, and independent communities. These options lead to a parish review rather than an automatic decision. Eastern Catholic Churches are already Catholic; Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Churches of the East have distinct reception considerations.
- Archdiocese of Newark: OCIA pathways
- Newark baptism and Confirmation reference (2006)
- Archdiocese of Cincinnati: baptism reference and distinctions
- USCCB: initiation, reception, and returning Catholics
- Canon law: Baptism, evidence, and genuine doubt (canons 849, 869, 876)
The list is a selected reference, not an exhaustive directory of local congregations. Parish staff review the details and arrange preparation appropriate to the person.
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Contact Us
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Father Jerzy PikulinskiFrJerzy@saintelizabeths.orgParochial Vicar
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