The Order of Christian Reception (formerly called the Rite of Christian Reception) is an experience of personal formation, spiritual growth and conversion for Christian adults who are interested in joining the Catholic Church. The OCRA is an adaptation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and is designed for adults and young adults who have been baptized, raised and practicing in another Christian tradition. It is a shorter period of discernment and preparation which concentrates on the distinctive characteristics, rituals and teachings of the Catholic Church.
Individuals participating in the Order of Christian Reception meet weekly with a member of our Initiation Team, generally for a period of about eight weeks. Preparation concludes with the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) followed by a profession of faith, reception of Eucharist and Confirmation during a Sunday Mass in the local parish.
> Click here for the text of the Celebration of Reception and Profession
of Faith.
Participants in the OCRA may be assigned a guide, a member of the Catholic faith community who will accompany them on their journey through the reception process, if they are not related a Catholic who participates regularly in the sacramental and spiritual life of the Catholic community.
The Order of Christian Reception of Adults is designed for adults who have been baptized in another mainline Christian denomination, have been fully catechized in that tradition, and have been practicing regularly in that Christian tradition. The OCRA process presumes that candidates have experienced a conversion into the Christian faith, and are comfortable participating in a Christian faith community.
Sponsors and companions play an important role in the process by which an individual joins the Catholic faith community. Sponsors and companions remind us that we are participating in a process of conversion, which involves a personal experience of being welcomed into a faith community of human persons. Sponsors represent the faith community; they insure that no individual walks the journey of conversion on their own.
> Click here for more information about the role of sponsors and companions in the OCRA.
If you have been divorced and remarried, your marital status may affect your freedom to join the Catholic Church.
> Click Here for more information about how divorce and remarriage affects your status in the OCRA.
• • •
More Information About the OCRA
• OCRA Scope and Sequence
• Role of Discernment in the OCRA Process
• Information about the Presenters in the OCRA
• What you should expect if you participate in the OCRA
• Information about the Order of Christian Initiation
• • •
For information about the Order of Christian Reception of Adults contact the Director of Adult Formation.
Director of Adult Faith Formation
1423 Kimball Ave., Waterloo IA 50702 • Phone: 319-233-0498
email: DBQwcaf@dbqarch.org
Last Update 06.25.25