Largest Group in This Century to Enter the Catholic Church

This year, our diocese is welcoming over 250 women and men into the Church who have been formed in the Catholic Faith through the Office of Adult Christian Initiation (OCIA) process. This is the largest number of people being initiated and received into the Church this century, and is over 100 people more than last year! This wonderful growth is due to the work of our dedicated and faith-filled parish OCIA coordinators, team members, and catechists, and to the support of their pastors, deacons, and parish staff.

The diocesan OCIA serves and supports our clergy and lay parish leaders in welcoming people coming into the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Through the OCIA process, adults come to know and follow the way of Christ as they prepare to be initiated and received into the Catholic Church. The diocese provides support and guidance to our parish leaders working in this ministry through trainings and consultation, regional gatherings, and resources. The Catholic Ministries Appeal makes this diocesan ministry possible – Thank you!

Please consider donating generously to the 2025 Catholic Ministries Appeal.

~Todd Graff, Director of Lay Formation and OCIA

Bishop Robert Barron celebrated the diocesan Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at Queen of Angels Parish in Austin on Sunday, March 9. This year’s 251 catechumens and candidates for our diocese is the largest group of people entering the Church in this century.

Bishop Robert Barron looks on at the signing of the Book of the Elect during the diocesan Rite of Election. At this diocesan service, women and men preparing to be initiated and received into the Church gather in prayer with the bishop, accompanied by their godparents and sponsors, and Catholics from across the diocese.