RCIA is now OCIA — same journey
If you searched for “RCIA classes near me,” you're looking for the Catholic Church's process to become Catholic as an adult. In 2021 it was renamed from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — OCIA. Nothing about the journey changed. We explain the full process in our guide to becoming Catholic.
Contact a parish near you about OCIA
OCIA happens at your local parish. The simplest first step is to reach out to a Catholic parish near you and ask about joining their OCIA group — call the office, visit their website, or just show up to Sunday Mass and introduce yourself. Here are some Catholic parishes you can contact:
Go deeper with a community
Some parishes run their OCIA on Catholic Connect — join their group and meet Catholics near you on the same path.
Browse Catholic groupsRCIA frequently asked questions
Is RCIA the same as OCIA?
Yes. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) was renamed OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) in an updated English translation effective in 2021. It is the same process for becoming Catholic — many parishes simply still use the older name “RCIA.”
How do I find RCIA classes near me?
Use Catholic Connect to find a parish and its OCIA (RCIA) group near you for free. You can see when the group meets and join or request to join, then a coordinator guides you through each stage toward the Easter Vigil.
What happens in RCIA / OCIA?
You explore the faith, receive formation in Scripture and Church teaching, and are prepared for the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism (if you were not already baptized), Confirmation, and the Eucharist — usually received at the Easter Vigil.
How long do RCIA classes take?
Often about 6 to 12 months, as many groups follow the parish year from fall to Easter. But it is not a rigid course — you move forward at your own pace with your coordinators.