Curious About Catholicism?
The Church is communio; she is God’s communing with men in Christ and hence the communing of men with one another.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
Why the Name Change?
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is now called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)—a more accurate translation of its original Latin title.
What is OCIA?
OCIA is the process through which adults are gradually introduced to the Catholic faith. It is designed for those who, after hearing the Gospel, seek to know God and respond to the call of faith through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. With God’s help, they are spiritually prepared to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
Who is it for?
Many begin this journey with questions and curiosity. The first phase starts in the heart of the seeker and continues in a welcoming inquiry group where questions are freely explored. OCIA respects each person’s unique pace and mirrors the ancient process early Christians followed.
Even if you’re just exploring, OCIA is a safe place to ask questions and seek understanding. Ready to learn more or get started? Fill out the inquiry form using the tab above.
Read about the Growth of Catholicism in Northern Colorado here, with insights from Fr. Brian!
Becoming Catholic
Becoming Catholic is a deeply joyful and life-changing journey. Some receive this grace as infants, while others come to the Church later in life as children, teens, or adults.
Because people come from different backgrounds, the process is not one-size-fits-all. It is always adapted to a person’s situation and where they are starting from in their faith life.
How it Happens
Full communion with the Catholic Church is lived through the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. The path to receiving them depends on your circumstances:
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If you are unbaptized
You will need a full year of preparation in OCIA before receiving Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. This is the ordinary expectation of the Church for those entering the catechumenate.Your formal journey begins with the Rite of Entrance in January of the year you will receive the sacraments, followed by a year of formation leading to Easter. Even before that, you are strongly encouraged to begin attending OCIA in the summer and fall so you can start learning, building community, and preparing well for the start of the catechumenate.
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If you are already baptized in another Christian tradition
You are received into the Church through a profession of faith, then receive Confirmation and the Eucharist. Your preparation typically follows the main OCIA year, beginning when the program starts and continuing through Easter. -
If you are already a baptized Catholic
You complete your initiation by preparing for Confirmation and First Holy Communion through OCIA formation.
The Role of Preparation
OCIA is not just classes, it is a real period of formation and discernment.
For those who are unbaptized, the Church expects a full year of catechumenate preparation as the norm. This year begins formally with the Rite of Entrance and continues through the Rite of Election, leading to the Easter sacraments.
If you are unbaptized, this means:
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You will not receive Baptism in the first months of joining
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Your sacramental journey follows a full-year timeline toward Easter
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The next official start point is January, when the catechumenate begins
That said, you are very welcome and strongly encouraged to join OCIA as soon as possible in the summer or fall. This time is important for getting to know the community, beginning your formation early, and preparing for the formal start of the process in January.
Children and Teens
For children who have reached the age of reason (around age 7) and teens seeking sacraments, preparation follows RCIC or RCIT and is adapted to their needs, usually following the same seasonal rhythm toward Easter sacraments.
A Personal Journey
While the Church has clear structure and expectations, OCIA is also a personal journey. The goal is to support real conversion, steady formation, and a confident, peaceful step into the Catholic Church at the right time.
“I did not fully grasp the importance of the selection of an RCIA class until the day of my conversion. Coming from an academic world, I was drawn to the RCIA class at Lourdes because of its reputation for intellectual rigor cultivated by Father Brian’s nuanced understanding of Church teaching, and, in this sense, it did not disappoint. But standing alongside my fellow catechumens after we received our first communion, I felt an emotional intimacy that is rare in life, let alone from a class. While I didn’t realize it in the midst of our weekly routine in the months leading up to our conversion, this intimacy was quietly growing through shared moments of joy in experiencing spiritual truth, laughter at Father Brian’s jokes, fulfillment through intellectual growth, tears during first confession, and peace in experiencing God’s love. On the day of conversion, it felt as though all of our worldly pretensions were shed, leaving just us with one another and God. Whether you are a cradle Catholic striving for deeper faith, a newcomer pursuing conversion, or an atheist seeking truth, RCIA at Lourdes offers something truly special that I would recommend to anyone. There is also beer.”
Jeanette Goldwaser, MD
Our Lady of Lourdes OCIA Program
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a year-long journey for adults exploring the Catholic faith, preparing for Baptism, or seeking Confirmation.
Summer OCIA Class
Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM
June 17 through July 29, 2026
Where:
Cline Hall (school cafeteria)
St. Louis Catholic Church
3301 S Sherman St, Englewood, CO 80113
The Summer OCIA class is the starting point of the program.
It focuses on the basics of the Christian life and the relational side of faith. The goal is simple: to help people grow in, or begin, a relationship with Jesus Christ while also getting to know others in the group.
Topics include prayer, God’s love, discipleship, and an introduction to living the Christian life.
The Summer OCIA classes are led and facilitated by Fr. Zach.
Main OCIA Classes
Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 PM
September 9, 2026 through April 28, 2027
Where:
McCaddon Hall (church basement)
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
2298 S. Logan St., Denver, CO 80210
The Main OCIA class continues the journey and focuses on learning and formation in the Catholic faith.
We explore the big questions of Christianity, including the existence of God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the authority of the Catholic Church. We also cover Scripture, Church history, the sacraments, and Catholic teaching.
The Main OCIA classes are led and facilitated by our pastor, Fr. Sean.
Why Two Classes?
We split OCIA into two parts for simple, practical reasons.
First, it allows people to begin in June instead of waiting until September. Second, it gives a gentle introduction to the faith and helps build community early before moving into the main academic year.
Together, both parts make up one complete OCIA journey.
Who Should Attend?
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Adults 18* and older exploring the Catholic faith
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Those preparing for Baptism or Confirmation
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Anyone curious about Catholicism or invited by a friend
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Practicing and Cradle Catholics that want to learn more.
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Note: In accordance with updated guidelines from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), those preparing for Baptism are expected to complete a full year of OCIA formation as part of their preparation.
*Teens 13-17 need permission from a parent or guardian to attend class.
OCIA is open to everyone.
To Register or Ask Questions
Email: ocia@lourdesdenver.org
Or just come to class.
What to Expect
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No tests
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No homework
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No cost
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Just come to class and participate
What to Bring
A Bible and something to take notes with, like a journal or notebook. We also have handouts periodically so a three-ringed binder or folder is helpful but not required.
Food
Snacks and drinks are provided. You are welcome to bring your own if needed, feel free to eat dinner in class if it’s easiest with your schedule.
Attendance
OCIA is a place to learn, ask questions, and explore at your own pace.
For those seriously discerning entrance into the Church or preparing for Confirmation, we do ask for regular weekly attendance and participation.
All classes are live-streamed, so if you have to miss one you won’t fall behind.
Stay Connected
Updates and announcements are sent through our OCIA Flocknote newsletter.
Who Teaches
The Main OCIA classes are led by Fr. Sean Conroy, our new pastor, who was formerly assigned here as a parochial vicar and previously taught OCIA under Fr. Brian Larkin. He is also our new pastor as of July 1, 2026.
Fr. Brian Larkin brought a deep love of Scripture and the faith, and over the past twelve years he carefully crafted, in our humble opinion, the best possible OCIA program. We are very grateful for his leadership.
We are excited to pass the torch to Fr. Sean and look forward to how he will continue to lead and shape the program going forward.
Occasional guest speakers may also join throughout the year.
For Children
(Third Grade through Eighth Grade)
While we do not currently offer RCIC-specific classes, children in grades 3–8 who need sacraments can join our Children’s Sacramental Prep program, which prepares them to receive sacraments at Easter.
For more information or to register, contact Amanda Hicks at Hicks@lourdesclassical.org
Tell us a bit about you
Please do not complete this registration if you are already Catholic and have received all of your Sacraments. You are welcome to attend informally for enrichment or fellowship.
Sign up for our OCIA newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!
This is your official connection point for all things OCIA this year.
Each week, you’ll receive important updates straight to your inbox—including class reminders, upcoming deadlines, helpful resources, event details, links, and more.
Questions About OCIA?
Email ocia@lourdesdenver.org