Every year at the Easter Vigil, thousands of men and women are welcomed into the Catholic Church after completing their period of formation through OCIA (previously known in the United States as RCIA).
For their families, sponsors, and friends, the occasion calls for a meaningful gift that celebrates their decision and supports a vibrant spiritual life in the Church.
If someone you love is becoming Catholic this Easter, the right gift will encourage prayer, deepen their relationship with Jesus, and remind them that they are supported and uplifted by the Body of Christ.
Our gift guide highlights some of the best gifts for new Catholics, with traditional and unique ideas to help them grow in their faith for years to come.
Why RCIA Is Now Called OCIA
If you have heard both terms used, you may be wondering why the name has changed.
For many years the program for adults who prepared to enter the Catholic Church was known as RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. In Advent of 2024, the Church introduced a new English translation of the rite that more closely reflects the original Latin title, "Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum".
At the time of this change, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) determined that the process in the United States would be referred to as OCIA - the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
While the name has changed, those preparing to become Catholic still learn the teachings of the Church, pray with the community, and discern their commitment, then they receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
Whether someone refers to RCIA or OCIA, the meaning is the same: the path to full communion with the Catholic Church.
Traditional and Creative Gifting to Celebrate OCIA
If you are a cradle Catholic, you may not fully appreciate many of the traditional gifts that will be new to a convert, because you've had these things in your life since your childhood.
Don't discount the traditional gifts that stand the test of time and will engage a convert in a new way. They are timeless (just like the Church) because they are proven and meaningful.
We've also curated a great selection of faithful OCIA gifts with a more contemporary twist. With so many wonderful Catholic gifts to enjoy, there's something for everyone on your list. Here are some of our favorite Catholic gift ideas for those entering the Church at Easter:
A Catholic Bible for a New Beginning
New Catholics often develop a deep desire to grow in their understanding of Sacred Scripture after completing OCIA. A high-quality Bible becomes a companion for prayer, study, and spiritual reflection throughout their life.
A personalized Bible makes this gift especially memorable because it marks the moment they entered the Church.
Many sponsors choose to give a Bible so the newly received Catholic always remembers the person who accompanied them on their journey.
We can personalize your bible with a name and date, and we have crafted many cover designs featuring particular devotions, so you can honor one that is meaningful to your loved one.
[[nrsv-catholic-bible-teal-leathersoft-gift-edition,personalized-miraculous-medal-bibles]]
Browse our extensive selection of bibles in various designs & price points.
A Rosary to Begin a Life of Prayer
A rosary is one of the most traditional OCIA gift ideas for new Catholics.
While praying with Our Lady and asking her intercession may encourage a deep love for Mary, it may feel strange at first for a new Catholic.
The rosary is a powerful way for them to develop and nurture an intimate love for our Mother and meditate on the life of Christ.
It's a treasured sacramental that accompanies a new Catholic through every stage and season of their life. We have a beautiful selection of rosaries that honor Our Lady and countless devotions.
We also carry many unique, small, and convenient one-decade rosary tenners. Some feature carabiner clips, include fasteners to use in your car, or are bracelets or rings that are both faithful and fashionable.
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A favorite choice is an olive wood rosary made in Bethlehem. Not only is it a meaningful gift, but it supports the persecuted Christians still living in the Holy Land.
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Explore our incredible selection of rosaries.
Jewelry for Protection & Blessing
Devotional jewelry is a meaningful gift because it reminds new Catholics that they are not alone, and are always in the company of our spiritual friends and intercessors.
During OCIA, many candidates develop a connection with a particular saint or adopt a devotion that calls to them. Some OCIA programs ask each candidates to choose a patron saint.
A small item they can wear daily is quiet reminder of their faith and commitment to follow Christ.
[[st-dymphna-chalcedony-bracelet,petite-sterling-miraculous-medal-crucifix-necklace]]
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Explore our Jewelry Collection for Men and Women.
Holy Sacramentals & Home Decor
A new Catholic who places the crucifix or devotional statues in their home is claiming their Catholic identity and creating a sacred space for prayer and reflection.
Many converts find that creating a small home altar or prayer corner helps them remain faithful to the new habit of daily prayer. A beautifully crafted crucifix or statue can anchor that space.
A holy water font or bottle provides a place to safely store the sacramental holy water Catholics use at home for protection, blessings, and graces. Lovely decorative items bring faith into everyday life in a meaningful way.
When new Catholics are surrounded by these objects, they remember Christ’s sacrifice, the communion of saints, the Body of Christ, and the love that led them to the Church.
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Discover our selection of wonderful Catholic Home Decor.
Practical & Faithful Everyday Items
Giving everyday items that reflect the Catholic faith can gently reinforce a new Catholic’s identity and help integrate their beliefs into daily life.
Simple things like a tumbler quoting a favorite saint, a kitchen accent they see every day in their home, or a T-shirt that proclaims who they are in Christ and His Church are reminders of the grace they received when entering the Church.
These small but meaningful items encourage prayer, reflection, and confidence in living their faith in ordinary moments. Over time, they help make Catholic life feel natural and joyful.
[[hail-mary-football-t-shirt-natural-or-gray-1,ave-maria-tumbler]]
[[catholic-humor-dish-towels-set-of-2,bless-us-o-lord-cutting-board]]
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Books That Teach About Our Faith
If you are a Cradle Catholic, you may not fully appreciate a gift like a classic prayer book introducing new Catholics to beloved devotions that have nourished us for centuries.
A book of daily saint devotions may seem unoriginal to you if you've grown up with the saints since childhood, but these are timeless choices for those just entering the Church.
Other great choices are books explaining the infinite ways the Church has shaped our culture and our world. While Cradle Catholics may take that for granted, converts will be amazed to learn the ways Catholicism has shaped their lives, even before they entered the Church.
[[catholic-prayers,the-book-of-saints]]
[[150-people-places-and-things-you-never-knew-were-catholic,a-catholic-pilgrimage-through-american-history]]
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Celebrating the Beginning of a Lifelong Journey
Entering the Catholic Church through OCIA is a profound moment of grace for your loved one.
The Easter Vigil marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, prayer, and discipleship. A thoughtful gift can help commemorate that moment while encouraging continued spiritual growth.
Whether you choose a Bible, rosary, crucifix, devotional jewelry, home accent or everyday item, the most meaningful gifts are those that help a new Catholic deepen their relationship with Christ and His Church.
The most important gift you can give is your prayers, that their life in the Church will be one that leads them to the joy of heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions About RCIA and OCIA Gifts
Should I give a gift to someone becoming Catholic?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful and joyful occasion of great joy, and a turning point in the life of your loved one. Many sponsors, family members, and friends give gifts to celebrate someone entering the Catholic Church.
What is a good gift for someone completing OCIA?
Some of the most meaningful RCIA or OCIA gifts include a Catholic Bible, rosary, crucifix, devotional jewelry, prayer book, interesting book about Catholicism, or a fun everyday item with a faithful theme. These gifts help new Catholics continue growing in prayer and understanding of the faith.
What does OCIA stand for?
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the updated name for RCIA, reflecting a new translation that more closely follows the original Latin title used by the Church.
When do people enter the Catholic Church through OCIA?
Most people are received into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday night. This is the Church’s most solemn liturgy celebrating the Resurrection of Christ.
It also helps Catholics remember and honor the beginning of the Faith, when those who accepted Christ risked their lives to live what we believe.
