OCIA Formation

You have access to a library of workshops (over 200 ministry formation workshops in both English & Spanish) to train and support key ministry personnel (professional and volunteer). There is currently NO COST!

Create a FREE Account here.

Need help creating an account? Visit this page to access step by step tutorials on How to create your FREE account? How to start a track? and How to complete a workshop?  

You can take any workshop you want, or you can begin with the Diocese of Trenton Track "RCIA Formation Track."  This can be found on your Franciscan dashboard.  The two workshops in this track will be the workshops used for the "OCIA 2025 Online Formation".   Register for the series or work independently.  

To find the complete list of workshops offered, click here.
 

Take a STEP in developing your faith…

STEP at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame partners with the Diocese of Trenton for faith formation opportunities. 

Two courses:

The Liturgical Year: What does it Mean and Why does it Matter?

For most Christians, we listen to Sacred Scripture in the context of the Church's liturgical year. From Advent through the Feast of Christ the King, we contemplate and participate in the mystery of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. But what is the liturgical year, and why does it matter? In this course, students will first be introduced to the prophetic nature of liturgical time, especially in the context of a culture obsessed with speed, productivity, and efficiency. We will then explore the feast and seasons of the Liturgical Year including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and feasts of Mary and all the saints. At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the history of the liturgical year, why it is essential for contemplating the mystery of Christ, and how to share the good news of salvation through the liturgical year in the context of liturgical catechesis.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

Next online course begins: Jan. 12, 2026

This course provides an in-depth study of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), exploring its ritual texts and rites. The OCIA is the process through which individuals over the age of seven are initiated into the Church, following a four-stage journey that culminates in the Easter Vigil and the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).

Participants will examine the four stages of formation—Pre-Catechumenate, Catechumenate, Sacramental Celebration, and Mystagogy—and reflect on effective ways to implement the initiation process within a parish setting. Special attention will be given to catechesis with baptized adults and children.

Click here to find out more & register