OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Meet Our 2026 OCIA Candidates

Each year at ICSJ, adults from different backgrounds explore the Catholic faith through OCIA and prepare to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil. We asked some of this year’s candidates two questions: What one word describes your journey so far, and what has surprised you most along the way?

OCIA Candidates
Noel Baba
Noel Baba

My Faith Journey So Far:

Exercise

“I was surprised by the incredibly warm and welcoming community at ICSJ and how encouraged I’ve felt to participate. I’ve also developed a deep appreciation for the tradition and structure of the liturgical Mass.”

Noel is a Chicago native who lives in River North and works in Technology & Operations at a consulting firm. He enjoys traveling, running along the lake, and spending time with family.

Sutton Macinnes
Sutton Macinnes

My Faith Journey So Far:

Illuminated

“I’ve been most surprised by how welcome I have felt in the community I’ve joined. From OCIA to Sunday mornings, everyone has shown genuine care and investment in my journey.”

Sutton lives in the Gold Coast and manages corporate partnerships in the sports industry.

Amy Keech
Amy Keech

My Faith Journey So Far:

Ignited

“I’ve been surprised by how deeply personal and welcoming the journey has felt. I didn’t expect the teachings to resonate so strongly with everyday life. The sense of peace and belonging has been unexpected.”

Amy lives in the Gold Coast and works as a Sales Operations Manager for a CPG company. She enjoys traveling, baking and cooking, and spending time with family and friends. She is currently planning a May 2026 wedding.

Heidi Weber-Howe
Heidi Weber-Howe

My Faith Journey So Far:

Motivated

“I’ve been most surprised by the sense of community ICSJ has given my fiancé and me and the meaningful conversations that have grown from it. Our OCIA discussions often carry into our home and are helping us build a strong foundation.”

Heidi lives in the ICSJ neighborhood and works in advertising with a focus on audio. She enjoys exploring new restaurants around the city while supporting beloved local favorites.

Sona Kim
Sona Kim

My Faith Journey So Far:

Foundation

“I’m most surprised by how religion unites family, friends, and community through shared experience and collective memory.”

Sona was born in Korea but raised in three different countries. She currently lives in the Loop and shares her home with a lop-ear bunny, Evergrey.

Michael Kellenbenz
Michael Kellenbenz

My Faith Journey So Far:

Transformative

“I’m most surprised by how prayer has brought me hope and strength and how welcome I’ve felt in this community.”

Michael is a Marine veteran who lives in Humboldt Park with his wife, Laura.

Goop Ramasawmy
Goop Ramasawmy

My Faith Journey So Far:

Grateful

“I’m most surprised by how our community and surroundings play an important role in shaping our faith and future.”

Goop moved to Chicago four years ago from Mauritius Island and lives in Lake View East. He works as a personal trainer and enjoys billiards and football (soccer).

Lilly Yott
Lilly Yott

My Faith Journey So Far:

Confident

“I’m most surprised by how quickly this journey could change my life in so many ways. Being able to work through challenges from earlier in my life with the help of the Holy Spirit — and the support of this entire parish — is something I never would have imagined.”

Lilly lives in Lincoln Park and works in auditing. She graduated from Indiana University in 2025 and hopes to get more involved with animal volunteering around the city.

John Wilcox
John Wilcox

My Faith Journey So Far:

Blessed

“I’m most surprised by the way faith has blessed me with a good group of friends and a supportive community. My faith has helped me get through some tough times here in Chicago.”

John lives in Old Town and works as a technology consultant He enjoys playing ice hockey, going to the gym, and spending time with friends.

Ali Anwar
Ali Anwar

My Faith Journey So Far:

Committed

“I’m most surprised by how well everything has clicked. I was expecting some degree of internal hesitation, but I am all-in.”

Ali lives in Old Town and describes himself as a Texan at heart. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters.

Ben Harper
Ben Harper

My Faith Journey So Far:

Seeking

“I’m most surprised by learning how other people in OCIA practice their faith. There are so many unique ways!”

Ben lives in River North and works as a healthcare management consultant. He enjoys playing guitar, exploring the city, and reading.

Jacob Hickman
Jacob Hickman

My Faith Journey So Far:

Evolving

“What has surprised me most is how my faith has grown through seasons of uncertainty rather than certainty. I’ve learned alongside my wife, who was raised Catholic, as we begin our faith journey together. Faith has become more about daily practice than having all the answers.”

Jacob lives in Lincoln Park with his wife, Kendra, and their two dogs, Mick and Kobe. He enjoys working out, cooking, playing golf, and watching sports and movies.

Kristin Isleib
Kristin Isleib

My Faith Journey So Far:

Growing

“I’m most surprised by how questions often lead to deeper understanding instead of confusion. I didn’t expect moments of uncertainty to help me grow as much as they have. Most of all, I’m surprised by how the journey keeps evolving over time.

Kristin lives in the Gold Coast with her husband, Wes, and their children, Kate and Weston, who attend ICSJ School. She works in financial services managing infrastructure teams.

Sarah Vogelgesang
Sarah Vogelgesang

My Faith Journey So Far:

Inspired

“I have been Christian my whole life, but I’ve been most surprised by the impact the community at ICSJ has had on my life and how connected and understood I feel.”

Sarah lives in the West Loop with her husband and works in legal marketing. She enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends.

Ben Zimmerman
Ben Zimmerman

My Faith Journey So Far:

Meaningful

“I’m most surprised by how many ‘pieces’ are coming together between the Old and New Testament and how quickly our weekly discussions have deepened my faith.”

Ben lives in the Gold Coast and works for an alternative asset management firm. He enjoys golfing, snowboarding, trying new restaurants, and spending time outside.

Grant Gocke
Grant Gocke

My Faith Journey So Far:

Trusting

“What has surprised me the most is the number of individuals interested in seeking God and the amazing community dedicated to furthering our faith through Jesus Christ.”

Grant lives in the Gold Coast and enjoys exercising and playing basketball at his local gym.

Thinking About Becoming Catholic?

If you’ve felt a quiet pull toward something deeper, this may be the time to take the next step. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly RCIA) is how the Catholic Church welcomes and prepares adults to receive the sacraments and grow more fully in their faith.

OCIA is for adults in many situations, including:

  • Those who have never been baptized and are preparing to enter the Church for the first time

  • Christians baptized in another tradition who wish to become Catholic

  • Baptized Catholics who have not yet received First Holy Communion or Confirmation

Whether you’re just curious about the Catholic faith or actively considering joining the Church, we’re here to walk with you through a blend of learning, prayer, conversation, and community.

OCIA Is for Catholics, Too

You don’t have to be converting to take part in OCIA—you just have to be ready for more. It’s also for baptized Catholics who:

  • Have not yet received First Holy Communion or Confirmation

  • Grew up Catholic but were never fully formed in the faith

  • Drifted from the Church and now feel called back

At ICSJ Parish, OCIA Isn’t a Class—It’s a Path Forward

It’s a time of prayer, learning, and spiritual growth, supported by a caring community that walks with you. People come to OCIA at different points in their spiritual journey—some ready to dive in, others still exploring. That’s exactly what OCIA is for: not just instruction, but discernment. If you’re still figuring things out, you are welcome here. And if you decide it’s not the right path, that’s part of the journey too. No pressure—just an open door.

Begin Your Journey

We’d love to hear from you. If you have questions or would like to learn more about OCIA, please fill out a short form by clicking the button below, and someone from our team will reach out to walk with you from here. You can also contact Jutta Keenan here or at 312-787-7174, ext. 3.

Get started today

RCIA is now OCIA!

Same great journey, new name! What we’ve long called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is now OCIA—Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. The process hasn’t changed, just the name, to better reflect the Church’s official language. If you or someone you know is thinking about becoming Catholic, OCIA is how we walk that path together. We’re here to welcome you!