OCIA

Becoming Catholic

At Our Savior Parish and the USC Caruso Catholic Center, we welcome all who are interested in journeying with us in faith.

Whether you're not Catholic or haven’t yet received all of your sacraments, we invite you to explore the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA).

If you’d like to learn more or are ready to begin, simply fill out the form below—or explore the FAQs at the bottom of the page for additional information.

For additional questions, email Deacon Paul Pesqueira

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Previously known as RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), the term "Order" was introduced to better reflect the communal nature of the journey—signifying a group within the Church united by a shared spiritual path.

    Those participating in OCIA are discerning, together, whether the Lord is calling them to enter fully into the Catholic faith.

  • For most people the process lasts for two semesters.

  • You can register the first week of OCIA, and there is no cost to attend.  If you are planning to start, send Deacon Paul an email and he will remind you when we get closer to starting and where you are meeting.

  • OCIA is designed for adults at various stages of their faith journey, including:

    • Those who have never been baptized and are seeking to enter the Catholic Church,

    • Baptized Christians from other faith traditions who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith or become Catholic, and

    • Baptized Catholics who have not yet received First Communion and/or Confirmation.

  • If you are not currently affiliated with USC as a student, faculty, or staff member but are interested in the OCIA program at the USC Caruso Catholic Center, we invite you to schedule a meeting with Deacon Paul to discuss your options.

    Our program—and the community at Our Savior Parish and the Catholic Center—is primarily designed with college students in mind, and our sessions reflect that focus. However, for those seeking a more general adult OCIA experience, we encourage you to explore additional offerings available through other local parishes, such as St. Vincent de Paul or Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.