Skip to main content

Becoming Catholic

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.

Becoming Catholic
Becoming Catholic is a deeply joyful and life-changing journey. While some receive this gift as infants, others come to the Catholic Church later in life—whether as children, teens, or adults.

How It Happens
Full communion with the Catholic Church is marked by receiving the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. The process, however, varies based on individual circumstances:

  • Unbaptized persons become Catholic through Baptism, followed by Confirmation and the Eucharist.

  • Those already baptized in another Christian tradition are received into the Church by making a profession of faith, then receiving Confirmation and the Eucharist.

  • Catholic baptism alone makes someone Catholic, even if the other two sacraments come later.

The Role of Preparation
Preparation is essential and tailored to each person’s background. The main distinction lies between those who are unbaptized and those who are already baptized Christians. This preparation is part of the Order of Christian Initiation.

For children who have reached the age of reason (around age 7), the process follows the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) or Teens (RCIT).

“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

OCIA at Our Lady of Lourdes

When:
Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 PM
From September 10, 2025 through Easter 2026

Where:
McCaddon Hall (church basement)
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
2298 S. Logan St., Denver, CO 80210
Located at the corner of Iliff Ave. and Logan St.

Who Should Attend?

  • Adults 18 and older who are new to the Catholic faith, exploring it, or seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation

  • Those who are curious but not yet sure about becoming Catholic

  • Anyone encouraged by a friend to come and learn more

Whether you’re ready to enter the Church or simply seeking answers, OCIA is a welcoming place to start. No commitment is necessary to attend the first class.

To register or ask questions:
Email ocia@lourdesdenver.org, or just come to the first class on September 10.

What to Expect

  • No tests

  • No homework

  • No cost

What to Bring:
There’s no need to bring anything, but we highly encourage you to bring a Bible and something to take notes with—a notebook, journal, or digital device. These tools can help you reflect more deeply and engage with the material during and after class.

Food:
Snacks and beverages will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own dinner or personal snack if that’s more convenient for you.

Attendance:
There is no pressure to become Catholic just by attending OCIA. This is a space for learning, asking questions, and exploring the faith at your own pace. We want you to make a thoughtful, informed, and intentional decision when the time is right.

However, if you are seriously discerning entering the Church or preparing for Confirmation, we ask for regular weekly attendance and active participation throughout the program.

Stay Connected:
To receive all class updates, resources, and announcements, sign up for our OCIA newsletter on Flocknote. It’s the best way to stay in the loop throughout the journey.

Who Teaches?

Classes are led by Fr. Brian Larkin, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes. Since his ordination in 2011, teaching OCIA has been one of the greatest joys of his priesthood. It’s a ministry he deeply loves and has faithfully led for over a decade.

Fr. Brian has a profound love for Scripture and has been seriously studying it for the past 25 years. His teaching is rooted in the richness of the Catholic tradition, guided by the Word of God, and always centered on the person of Jesus Christ.

He welcomes questions, encourages open and honest discussion, and creates a space where seekers can wrestle with ideas, explore the faith deeply, and encounter the beauty and truth of the Church with clarity and compassion.

Occasional guest speakers may also join throughout the year to offer additional perspectives and insights.

For Children (Grades 3–8):

Although we do not currently offer RCIC-specific classes, children in grades 3–8 who need sacraments can join our Family Faith Formation program, which provides the necessary catechesis for receiving sacraments at Easter.

To learn more or register:
Visit lourdesdenver.org/family-faith-formation/
Or contact Morgan Rogers at ocia@lourdesdenver.org

Click Here for OCIA Class Follow Up

Questions About OCIA?

Email ocia@lourdesdenver.org