Becoming Catholic (RCIA/OCIA)

The Christian life is about following Jesus—it is living a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in a way that changes your life. If you are already Christian, we invite you to deepen that relationship by experiencing Christ through His Church. If you are not Christian, come, see what it’s all about. Being Catholic is more than a way of thinking or worshiping; it is an all-encompassing way of living life together as a community, knowing and loving Jesus though His Church, serving God and each other.
 

What is RCIA?

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Those who are interested in joining the Catholic Church do so by the RCIA process.

We also welcome those who are already members who wish to share their faith with those in the RCIA process or who wish to learn more about their faith in an adult –education forum. Some in RCIA are being prepared as they await resolution of marriage issues that have delayed their entry into the Church. Some are still exploring the faith. But the focus of the class is always a presentation and discussion of the Catholic faith to prepare people for entering the church at Easter. And we are all on the journey together, learning with each other and helping each other along the way.

What is OCIA? 

RCIA has been expanded by the Bishops to OCIA - the Order of Initiation of Adults. This Order is calling on the ancient processes of catechizing adults into the Catholic faith. But evangelization precedes catechesis. Evangelization is first and foremost a dialogue. Those who come to the Basilica thirsting for purpose, belonging, and that which only the Church can give need personal conversations along the road to conversion. Thankfully we are many in the One Body! 

Note: We use the terms "RCIA" and "OCIA" interchangeably. 
 

The OCIA process

The OCIA process is a journey that takes place within the Catholic community. We, the Church, will help and guide you through this process which is marked by four distinct periods:

Inquiry (September-November) - This is the period where you inquire into specifics about the Catholic Church, its practices and its traditions. The inquiry period will help you understand how Christ is present to us in the Church and how knowing Him through the Church brings with it a deep and intimate relationship with Christ.

Growth (December-Ash Wednesday) - This begins the second period, a time for you to grow in faith and knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Church. During this period, we explore in depth the rich teachings of Jesus through His Church and come to understand the sacraments He left for us as a means of grace. At the end of this period, if you wish to prepare to join the Church at Easter, you are accepted by the Bishop through the Rite of Election or the Call to Continuing Conversion in preparation for the Easter Vigil. If for any reason you are not yet ready for that step, you are still welcome in the class—the study, fellowship and journey continue for us all.

Preparation, Purification & Enlightenment (Lent) - This is a time for more personal spiritual growth and includes final preparation for receiving the sacraments of initiation (baptism if necessary, confirmation and first communion) at the Easter Vigil (the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday).

Mystagogy (Easter-September and ongoing…)– After the Easter Vigil, Christian formation continues, and so does your walk in faith. The community remains together to continue to learn more about the Catholic faith and to continue to share the journey. There is always something more to learn—the treasury of the Church is limitless.

The OCIA class also participates in various aspects of parish life, providing service for parish events, participating in prayer services and parish celebrations, and serving at the Community Kitchen twice during the course of the year. There may even be a field trip or two to experience other kinds of Catholic worship and to learn about various forms of religious life, depending on class interest and time.

In short, OCIA is the process by which you will be able come to an intimate and life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church and what she teaches, with others who are on the same journey. It’s a time for questions and answers and more questions and exploring and experiencing life—worship, fellowship, and service-- in a Catholic community.

FAQ:

If I come to RCIA/OCIA, does that mean I am committed to joining the Church?

No. You may make that decision, you may decide that you are not interested in joining, or you may decide that you need more time. There’s no obligation—inquiring minds and hearts are always welcome.

Is there a lot of reading?

Some, not a lot. And we provide the books.

Is there a test at the end?

No! OCIA is an experience that will certainly teach you lots of “facts” but it’s also meant to help you experience what life is like as a Catholic—the Catholic faith is more than a way of thinking or worshiping, it’s a way of living. The OCIA experience is designed to introduce you to all aspects of Catholic living.

Does my spouse have to come?

No. OCIA is an individual journey, though some couples take it together. A decision whether to join the Church is yours and yours alone. But spouses are always welcome in class.

May I join after class has started?

Of course. The Team will help get you caught up on the material that has already been covered. It is never too late to join the class.

Is it every week? What if I have to miss class?

Except for Christmas, we try to meet every week. If you miss class, contact the team and they’ll help you catch up on anything you miss. Class attendance is important—this is about becoming part of a Catholic community and you can’t do that without being involved. But sometimes you just can’t be there and we understand. If the class time is inconvenient for you because of work or other commitments that cannot be rearranged, please contact Dan Pacitti (by clicking the "Contact" button at the bottom of this page) to discuss alternative arrangements. OCIA is here for you!

Why does it take so long?

There is a lot to learn. Catholics have a lot in common with their Protestant brothers and sisters, but there is a lot that is different. Coming into the Church is a serious step and for many, a big change. If you take that step, you’ll be asked to profess before God and the congregation that you accept all that the God has revealed and all that the Church teaches so that you may live the Catholic life to the fullest. OCIA is meant to help you understand those teachings, and that takes time.

How does the Church view marriages that have been witnessed outside the Catholic Church? 

People approaching full communion with the Catholic Church are in various situations of marriage that need to be addressed differently. Find out about the various marriage situations and how the irregular ones can be regularized by reading this explanation of Marriage Situations written by Fr. David Carter, our Pastor and Rector and the Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal of Knoxville.

Does the Church welcome those who experience same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria?

Unjust discrimination against people struggling with same-sex attraction or gender identity is not part of the Catholic faith. 
Individuals who experience same-sex attractions are called to chastity in their respective state of life, as are all human
beings. For married people, this means an exclusive, faithful relationship which is open to the possibility of having children. For
single people, this means abstaining from sexual intimacy and fostering authentic friendships.


Courage International is a Catholic apostolate that helps men and women who experience same-sex attractions to strive for chastity. Encourage is the counterpart apostolate for family and friends of people who identify as LGBTQ, who are looking for help to keep the faith and keep their family bonds intact.

I have already been baptized. Do I need to be baptized again?

In several Christian denominations, Baptism is performed using water (full immersion or pouring over the head) and the Trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit), and is a valid Baptism according to the Catholic Church. In this case one would not need to be baptized. If you were baptized in a tradition that does not baptize by water and the Trinitarian formula, you may still need to be baptized conditionally, before making your profession of Catholic faith. Refer to this list of valid Baptisms. 

You will need to present evidence of your Baptism, either a certificate or letter from the church where you were baptized, or an affidavit filled out by yourself (if you were old enough to remember) or someone who witnessed your Baptism. Download affidavit of Baptism here.

How do I sign up for the program for Becoming Catholic?

If you are interested in joining the class, call the parish office any time or register below online - it only takes a few seconds! (Things happen, so if, by chance, you do not hear in a week, send an email to us by clicking the Contact button at the bottom of this page. We will set up an initial meeting so that we can personally welcome you, get to know you a bit, and answer any particular questions you might have.

If you are interested in assisting by sponsoring candidates, presenting topics, or providing prayer/worship aids, please also contact Dan Pacitti so we can work out a schedule.

More questions? Fill out the form below to send an email to the OCIA Team. Or you may call the OCIA Director, Dan Pacitti, at 865-335-3076.

Contact Us

A "Briefer Process" for initiation into the Catholic Church, as an alternative to the full-year OCIA program, is potentially available to candidates who have already been baptized, catechized, and evangelized. An interview to determine readiness will be conducted. Those who are not ready for the Briefer process are invited to join the OCIA classes to be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

We call this class program Candidacy. 

Classes meet Wednesdays from 7-9pm in the St. Dominic Religious Education Building (in Varallo Parish Hall while the St. Dominic Building is under construction).
Following a preparation period of 12 classes, candidates are initiated at the parish Saturday Vigil Mass.

2025-2026 Candidacy Term Dates

Summer 2025 Term (also Mystagogia for newly initiated Catholics)
(in Varallo Parish Hall while the St. Dominic Building is under construction)

Classes:  5/21/25 – 8/6/25 
First Confessions:  Sat., 7/19/25 3pm
Rite of Welcome:  Sun., 7/20/25 at the 9:00 Mass
Walk-through of initiation:  Sat., 8/9/25 4pm 
Initiation:  Sat., 8/9/25, at the 5:30 Mass

Fall 2025 Term
Classes:  9/10/25 – 12/3/25 (no class 11/26/25 - Thanksgiving break) 
First Confessions:  Sat., 11/15/25 3pm
Rite of Welcome:  Sun., 11/16/25 at the 9:00 Mass
Walk-through of initiation:  Sat. 12/6/25 4pm
Initiation:  Sat., 12/6/25, at the 5:30 Mass

Winter/Spring 2026 Term
Classes:  1/7/26 – 4/1/26 (no class 2/18/26 – Ash Wednesday) 
First Confessions:  Sat., 3/7/26 3pm and Sat. 3/21/26 3pm
OCIA/Candidacy Rite of Welcome (for those who are ready):  Sun., 1/18/26 at the 9:00 Mass
OCIA/Candidacy Rite of Sending:  Sun., 2/15/26 at the 9:00 Mass
Rite of Election in Knoxville at the Cathedral:  TBA (according to previous years, it would be 2/21/26 1pm)
1st Scrutiny:  3/8/26 9:00 & 1:30 Masses
2nd Scrutiny:  3/15/26 9:00 & 1:30 Masses
3rd Scrutiny:  3/22/26 9:00 & 1:30 Masses
Walk-through of initiation:  Sat. 4/4/26 2 hours and 15 minutes before Mass
Initiation:  Sat., 4/4/26, at the Easter Vigil Mass (8:30pm or later)

Summer 2026 Term (also Mystagogia for newly initiated Catholics)
Classes:  5/20/26 – 8/5/26 
First Confessions:  Sat., 7/17/26 3pm
Rite of Welcome:  Sun., 7/18/26 at the 9:00 Mass
Walk-through of initiation:  Wed., 8/5/26 7pm (during class)
Initiation:  Sat., 8/8/26, at the 5:30 Mass

Fall 2025 Term
Classes:  9/9/26 – 12/2/26 (no class 11/25/25 - Thanksgiving break) 
First Confessions:  Sat., 11/14/25 3pm
Rite of Welcome (OCIA/Candidacy):  Sun., 11/15/25 at the 9:00 Mass
Walk-through of initiation:  Sat. 12/5/25 4pm
Initiation:  Sat., 12/5/25, at the 5:30 Mass

Each candidate for Baptism and/or Confirmation will choose a sponsor. The sponsor and his/her pastor will need to affirm that he/she is eligible to serve this role.

• at least 18 years of age (or at least age 16 if you're sponsoring a youth)
• a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist
• who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on
• is not bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared
• is not the father or mother of the one to be sponsored.