Becoming Catholic: Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
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Welcome! Are you thinking of becoming Catholic? Would you like to know about the process of becoming Catholic?
What made you decide to seek information on becoming Catholic? Perhaps you are married to a Catholic…or you have many friends who are Catholic....or you just feel something is missing in your life. Perhaps you have a desire to know Jesus Christ more fully… or to experience the Sacraments of the Church. There are many ways that God calls a person into relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church and we are happy to help you in this journey! |
Want to find out more?
Whether you are simply curious to learn more about the Catholic faith or seriously considering joining the Catholic Church, we are here to accompany you on that journey.
Many adults entering the Catholic Church, or those just thinking about it, follow a process known as OCIA—Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. OCIA is an educational and spiritual formation process in which those new to the Catholic faith are instructed and guided throughout the year. These newcomers then receive the Sacraments of Initiation– Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist - during the Easter celebration.
Many adults entering the Catholic Church, or those just thinking about it, follow a process known as OCIA—Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. OCIA is an educational and spiritual formation process in which those new to the Catholic faith are instructed and guided throughout the year. These newcomers then receive the Sacraments of Initiation– Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist - during the Easter celebration.
Who is OCIA for?
The OCIA is for:
The OCIA is for:
- Unbaptized persons (known as catechumens)
- Adults Baptized in another Christian faith, who wish to become Catholic (known as candidates)
- Baptized Catholics who wish to receive First Communion and/or Confirmation (also referred to as candidates).
Where do you begin?
Well, you just begin from where you are now!
The OCIA process has several distinct stages. These Catholic OCIA stages are a good model of faith development itself, and will very likely fit you whether or not you're actually in the RCIA process.
Each person moves through the stages at his or her own pace. Take your time!
Well, you just begin from where you are now!
The OCIA process has several distinct stages. These Catholic OCIA stages are a good model of faith development itself, and will very likely fit you whether or not you're actually in the RCIA process.
- Inquiry: the initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You're asking questions and checking it out, but aren't yet ready to commit.
- Catechumenate: those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you're developing your faith and are being "catechized"—learning catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.
- Purification and preparation: The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare you to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. If you're following the OCIA process, you'll go through a beautiful series of Gospel-based meditations during Lent, which is the time frame of this period.
- Initiation itself, the culmination of the whole process! You're received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where you'll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. (If you've already been baptized, you won't be baptized again.)
- Mystagogy: after reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.
Each person moves through the stages at his or her own pace. Take your time!
It is a journey that begins with your questions. There is no obligation to join us as you discover more about your Catholic faith. The decision is ultimately yours to discern if this is to be your spiritual home.
For more information, please contact Mary Rosmus, Parish Life Coordinator. The invitation is always open – RSVP when you are ready!
For more information, please contact Mary Rosmus, Parish Life Coordinator. The invitation is always open – RSVP when you are ready!
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A Well Built Faith
by Joe Paprocki If you would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, you may enjoy A Well-Built Faith by Joe Paprocki. A discussion guide and supplemental materials are available on our website.
Click here to learn more. Wednesday Night Discussion Group for Adults begins October 9, 2024! Contact [email protected], or the parish office at St. Patrick's or Immaculate Conception for more information and to register.
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The Catechism in a Year - with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Coming January 1, 2023
Coming January 1, 2023
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With this podcast, Catholics will:
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