Do you know anyone who would like to become Catholic?
A Catholic who needs Confirmation?
​Would you like to know more about the Catholic faith? ​
If you or someone you know is curious about the Catholic faith, feels called to join the Church, or just has questions, OCIA is for you. 
What is OCIA?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a journey of prayer, learning, and discovery. It is the path for adults to become full members of the Catholic Church.
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​Is this for me?
OCIA is designed for:
  • The Unbaptized: Those seeking to start their faith journey through Baptism.
  • Other Christian Traditions: Those baptized in another Christian faith who now feel called to Catholicism.
  • Returning Catholics: Baptized Catholics who haven’t yet received First Communion or Confirmation.

The Journey at St. Francis of Assisi parish:
  • When: We have two options: 
  • Wednesday evenings, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, starting September 16, 2026 
  • Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00 pm, starting September 17, 2026
  • Cutoff to join OCIA 2026–2027 is September 30, 2026.
  • The Goal: Preparation typically lasts about a year, culminating in the celebration of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

Is this for me?
You don't need to have it all figured out to start. Fill out our OCIA Inquiry Form below, and a member of our team will reach out to chat with you—no pressure, just a conversation.

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How can I find out more?
1. Contact: Carl Natalizia at OCIA@stfrancisbend.org ​.
2. Inquiry Form: Please complete the OCIA inquiry form (English | Spanish) and email OCIA@stfrancisbend.org
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Adult OCIA class includes three distinct groups traveling
​this journey into the Catholic Church:

CATECHUMEN:  are non-baptized persons seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church. Catechumens will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion on Easter Vigil. 

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. 

​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. ​
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. The sponsor is actively living a sacramental life, that is, they attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and receive Communion frequently.
  • Sponsor, please complete the "OCIA Sponsor Form " and return it with a copy of your Confirmation 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

What are the stages?

An inquirer is someone in the first stage of the OCIA process, known as the Period of Inquiry or the Precatechumenate.
A catechumen is a person in the second stage of the OCIA process, the Period of the Catechumenate.
A candidate is a person in the second stage of the OCIA process who is seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.

Contacts:

​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 2-12) 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, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 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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