Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA)

mass with studentsThe University of the Incarnate Word is committed to connecting our students with Jesus Christ through the following:

  • spiritual guidance
  • faith formation
  • sacramental preparation
  • and vocational discernment
We do this by connecting young adults to the Church through evangelizing outreach, formation of the faith community and pastoral care. It is through the university's mission and the mission of the Church that we support the formation of a Christian conscience, and educating and developing leaders for the present and future. Through our Faith Formation programs, we connect young adults with a peer community through developing peer leadership and identifying a young adults team for the purpose of forming faith communities of peers.

University Mission and Ministry at UIW works in concert with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) pastoral plans for Ministry with Young Adults "Sons and Daughters of the Light," Campus Ministry "Empowered by the Spirit" and, the most recent results, the "National Study on Catholic Campus Ministry" and the 2018 "V National Encuentro."

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation for those wishing to complete their initiation into the Catholic Church is offered through a 7-month program beginning in September each year. 

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and Confirmation Preparation

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is for anyone who is not currently Catholic but would like to find out what Catholics believe. You can receive the sacrament of Eucharist and Confirmation after being previously baptized in a different faith tradition or baptized Catholic. Likewise, OCIA is also appropriate for anyone who has never been baptized. Administration of the Sacraments is preceded by a series of classes. This class is open to current UIW students, faculty, and staff. Persons under the age of 18 are encouraged to receive their sacraments through their home parish.

Confirmation is for those who have been baptized and received the sacrament of Eucharist in the Catholic Church. The sacrament of Confirmation celebrates the fullness of the Holy Spirit, whom the Lord sent upon the apostles at Pentecost. It is a sacrament that celebrates God’s special strengths and gifts in those who have been baptized. Administration of the Sacrament is preceded by a series of classes. Students preparing for Confirmation must also freely choose to be confirmed, attend Mass regularly, and practice the precepts of the faith. This class is open to current UIW students, faculty, and staff. Persons under the age of 18 are encouraged to receive Confirmation through their home parish.