Know anyone who would like to become Catholic?
Know a Catholic who needs Confirmation?
​Would you like to know more about the Catholic faith? ​
What is OCIA?  (Formally RCIA)
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) prepares candidates for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. Parishes welcome new members into the Catholic Church through a process of education, faith sharing, and rituals known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This process includes several stages marked by prayer, study, and discussion. Included in the process are several Rites, which take place within the context of the Mass. The OCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and the normal way adults prepare for baptism. The OCIA is structured over a series of ceremonial steps and periods of learning. One may take as much time as he or she needs in the initiation process before becoming ready for full initiation through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Initiation within the Church is a journey of conversion that is gradual and ongoing and suited to individual needs.
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​Adult OCIA class includes three distinct groups traveling on a faith journey:
 
CATECHUMEN:  are non-baptized persons seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church. Catechumen will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion on Easter Vigil. 
  • After signing up for OCIA classes complete this  Petition to Receive Sacraments
  • Catechumen, get on your calendar the "Additional Dates for those coming into the Catholic Church"


CANDIDATES for Full Communion: persons who are baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into Full Communion with the Catholic Church. Candidates for Full Communion will Profess the Faith and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Communion on Easter Vigil. 
  • After signing up for OCIA classes complete this  Petition to Receive Sacraments
  • Candidates for Full Communion, get on your calendar the "Additional Dates for those coming into the Catholic Church"


​CANDIDATES for Confirmation:  persons who are baptized Catholic as infants and not given any religious instruction in the Catholic faith. These adults will be prepared to celebrate the sacraments of Penance, Confirmation, and Communion. Candidates for Confirmation will receive the sacraments of Confirmation and 1st Communion at the Confirmation Mass with the Bishop. 
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  • After signing up for OCIA classes complete this this Petition to be Confirmed
  • Candidates of Confirmation, get these dates on your calendars:
    • Confirmation Rehearsal is Sunday, April 27, 6:30-8:00 pm.
    • Confirmation Mass is Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 pm. Candidates arrive at 2:00 pm for instruction with Bishop and a group photo.
How Can I find out more?
1. Contact: Carl by texting or calling 541-450-9365 or email at [email protected] ​.
2. Inquiry Form: Please complete the OCIA inquiry form (English | Spanish) and email or text it to Carl (see #1)
3. Classes: For adults (18 and older) classes meet every Thursday at St Francis, 2450 NE 27th St, September 5 to November 14, 6:00-8:00 pm, and December 5 - April 15, 6:30-8:00 pm. 
4. Syllabus: What is the syllabus for OCIA  Schedule 2024 / 2025.
5. Welcome Package: Download an OCIA Welcome Package here.
Additional Dates for those coming into the Catholic Church
  • Rite of Acceptance - Sunday, Dec 1 at 10:00 am Mass
  • Rite of Sending - Sunday, March 9 at 10:00 am Mass (tentative)
  • Rite of Elect with Bishop Cary -Saturday, March 15 at 11:00 am
  • 1st Scrutiny - Sunday, March 23 at 10:00 am Mass
  • 2nd Scrutiny - Sunday, March 30 at 10:00 am Mass
  • 3rd Scrutiny - Sunday, April 6 at 10:00 am Mass
  • Rite of Ephphetha and Easter Vigil rehearsal - Saturday, April 19 - 10:30 am (tentative)
OCIA Sponsor
  • A sponsor is a member of the Catholic Church who agrees to walk alongside the catechumen/candidate on the journey to become Catholic. 
  • There is to be one sponsor for OCIA. The sponsor is a fully initiated practicing Catholic. If the sponsor is not living as single, then the sponsor is in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church. 
  • Sponsor, please complete the "OCIA Sponsor Form " and return it with a copy of your baptism certificate and marriage certificate (if you are not living single)
  • Sponsors complete the four "Sponsor/Candidate Discussions" with your catechumen/candidate. You do not need to write out the answers, just let us know that you completed the discussions. Four discussions: one, two, three, four
​Children (7 - 18): 
Children and youth (age 7-18)  who have not received baptism will register for weekly Faith Formation classes.  These classes meet every Wednesday afternoon (grades 2-5) and
​ Wednesday evening (grades 6-12) from September - May.
Janet Deppmeier
[email protected]
(541) 382-3631 Ext 116
​St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
2450 NE 27th St.
Bend, Oregon 97701

Phone: (541) 382-3631
Fax: (541) 385-8879

Parish Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Historic Church
599 NW Lava Rd.
Bend, Oregon 97703 (corner of Franklin & Lava in Downtown Bend)

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