Parish & Archdiocesan Information

OCIA does not stand alone. It is a ministry of the parish, within the life of the Archdiocese of Washington.

St. Peter’s Parish & the Archdiocese of Washington

OCIA is one ministry of the parish. Sacramental records are maintained by the parish office and reported to the Archdiocese of Washington.

OCIA classes run in the fall through the following spring in the Divine Mercy Room.

Who the process is for

This process is for those who have never been baptized, for those baptized in other Christian traditions, and for those baptized Catholics who have not celebrated First Communion and/or Confirmation. Please call the Parish Office for more information on participating in the OCIA process.

Sacramental records

Documents you submit through the portal are held by the parish office as part of your sacramental record. Certificates of baptism, confirmation and first communion are issued by the parish where the sacrament was celebrated. If you need a copy of a record from St. Peter’s, contact the parish office directly.

Where the rites are celebrated

Rite of Acceptance — St. Peter’s Catholic Church.Celebrated at a Sunday liturgy in the fall.
Rite of Election — Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.Celebrated with the Archbishop.
Sacraments of Initiation — St. Peter’s Catholic Church.Received at the Easter Vigil.

Questions? Ask the OCIA office

Send us your name, a way to reach you and your question. It arrives in the OCIA office directly, and someone will answer you.

Catholic Resources

Companion material we recommend, for candidates and for anyone simply curious.

The Chosen (opens in a new tab)
The series on the life of Christ.
Archdiocese of Washington (opens in a new tab)
Our archdiocese: news, offices and sacramental records.
FORMED (opens in a new tab)
Register with the St. Peter’s Olney parish code: 20832
Ascension Press (opens in a new tab)
Bible and catechism study programs.