About

Becoming Catholic — Order of Christian Initiation for Adults and Adult Confirmation

Welcome to our "Becoming Catholic" page. The Catholic Church, founded by Jesus Christ, continues to serve millions of people by helping them answer life's most important questions and by leading them to the fullness of happiness. We invite you to find out about Jesus, the Church He founded and meaning that only He can give. It is always a joyous occasion when a person chooses to learn more about becoming Catholic.

For more information on attending Inquiry Sessions or to register for our OCIA program, please contact the parish office.

Becoming Catholic - OCIA

To become Catholic, a person goes through a process called the OCIA. OCIA stands for the “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults”; it had previously been known as the RCIA, the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”. In OCIA, adults are introduced gradually into the beliefs, worship, and life of the Christian. Each participant has a sponsor, a fully initiated Catholic, to walk him/her through this process.

The Process

OCIA is composed of four stages:

1. Inquiry Sessions

Inquiry sessions are for those interested in learning, without any pressure or commitment, about Jesus Christ and the teachings of His Church. Inquiry is for adults who:

• Want to know the basics about Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church
• Have never been baptized
• Have been baptized but have not been Confirmed in the Catholic Church
• Have been baptized but have not received First Communion in the Catholic Church

Please contact the Parish Office to find out the date of the next sessions.

Sessions are Sunday mornings at 9am, normally during the Spring, but you are encouraged to call the parish office at any time for more information.

2. Teaching the Catholic Faith

Following Inquiry is a period of formal instruction known as 'catechesis'. This formation helps a person establish roots to his/her faith in Christ and to learn how the faith is lived in daily life. This part of the process walks the participant through the key events of Scripture and shows how the teachings of the Catholic Church flow from the Bible. This formation is specifically for those preparing for the sacraments of either Baptism, Confirmation and/or Holy Communion.

Please contact the Parish Office for more information on these sessions.

Sessions are Sunday mornings at 9am in the Institute of Catholic Theology classroom.

3. Prayer

Beginning with Ash Wednesday and lasting throughout Lent, participants prepare to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and/or Holy Communion by going through a six week period of prayer, fasting, and turning away from sin. This is the stage of 'Purification and Enlightenment.' This period culminates with the Easter Vigil, the Mass celebrated the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. During this Mass, participants receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

4. Post-Baptismal Sessions

The period of formation after Easter is known as 'Mystagogia', in which the participant reflects on the graces received in Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. It is a time to look at how Christ calls us to a life of service and stewardship.

"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
John 10:10