OCIA
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process through which interested adults discern if God is calling them to become Catholic, and if so, they receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). Click on the following link to learn more about the Catholic faith: http://www.catholicscomehome.org/
Click on the below link to discover the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church and read exciting conversion stories of those who made the journey home to the Catholic Church. http://chnetwork.org/
What does it mean to be Catholic?
To be Catholic means to be pursuing a life fully alive in Christ. This means pursuing Jesus in personal prayer and especially in the sacraments, building community in the Church, placing your whole life at the disposal of Jesus, and striving to live a life of holiness, as laid out for us by Jesus in the Scriptures and Holy Tradition.
The life of a Catholic Christian is a radical life, make no mistake. But it is also the most joy-filled, amazing life you could possibly live!
The question: “What does it look like for me to be Catholic?” Well, that’s a question that only God can answer!
How do I become Catholic?
We’re so excited to have the opportunity to accompany you through this journey!
Please click on the following attachment and complete the form before setting up an appointment with Greg: RCIA Initial Interview Form
“Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you.” —Matthew 7:7
What is the process of becoming Catholic?
Becoming Catholic is a process that involves building a personal relationship with Jesus, investing in the Church community, receiving knowledge of Christ and His Church, and going through several different ‘rites’ to become ‘fully initiated’ by receiving the Sacraments which Christ instituted so as to be conformed to Christ.
For those who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination, at the end of your journey (really, just the beginning of a new journey!) you will make your first Confession and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and then receive your first Holy Communion and Confirmation.
If you have never been baptized, you will go through the same process, but you will also be received into the Church first through Baptism.
Being Catholic, however, is a lifelong pursuit!
What is “RCIA”?
OCIA (stands for Order of Christian Initiation) is the official name for the process of becoming Catholic. This involves teachings/meetings with a sponsor, rites within Mass, and finally, receiving your sacraments in the Church!
There are four stages:
- The Precatechumenate (“Period of Inquiry”)
- A time of evangelization and introduction to basic Catholic life, prayers, liturgical actions, and teachings. Inquirers strive to open their hearts to the Gospel and the workings of the Holy Spirit and be freely converted to the Lord and commit themselves to Him.
- The Catechumenate
- This is the period of pastoral formation and suitable instruction in the teachings of the Catholic Faith as well as a time to develop spiritually in prayer, both individually and communally. Candidates and Catechumens receive special blessings and prayers.
- Period of Purification and Enlightenment
- Beginning the first Sunday in Lent this is an intense period of prayer, continued instruction in the Faith and discernment in preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist). Candidates and Catechumens continue to receive special blessings and prayers.
- Period of Post-Baptismal Catechesis (“Mystagogy”) and the Neophyte Year
- Period between Easter and Pentecost dedicated to deepen the Christian experience, for spiritual growth, and for entering more fully into the life and unity of the community. The newly Baptized begin their neophyte year.
How long does it take to become Catholic?
This depends on each person. Most people invest at least a year – it takes a long time to learn what it means to be Catholic, as well as to wrestle with questions and build relationships within the Church. But there is no set timetable and no rush. Some people take one year, others take three or even many more! What matters is that you are walking in lockstep with God – He will reveal the right timing for you.
What if I’m already Catholic but am missing some Sacraments?
OCIA is for you also! Please email me below so we can discuss your specific next steps for becoming fully initiated as a Catholic.
Already Catholic and interested in helping with OCIA?
The Role of the Sponsor
A sponsor has a privileged opportunity to walk side by side with those who are discerning and preparing to join the Catholic Church. The sponsor’s (or godparent’s) role is primarily to:
- witness their own faith to their designated candidate (or catechumen) by modeling the Christian life;
- assist them at the weekly sessions and help them get acquainted with Catholic life and practices;
- invest time in them and meet 2/mo outside of the weekly sessions for coffee/tea/smoothie and see how their life is going
- pray for them and accompany them on certain Sundays for special Rites including the Easter Vigil;
- give testimony of their candidate’s (or catechumen’s) readiness to be received into the Church.
To be a sponsor (or godparent) one needs to be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and have already received the sacrament of Confirmation.
Easter 2023
Meet our newest Catholics!
G.K. CHESTERTON