Becoming Catholic

Overview

Becoming Catholic is a journey and all are welcome to take that journey of:

• Discovery
• Prayer
• Learning
• Questioning
• Becoming part of the parish community
• Receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist

The Holy Spirit leads this journey — there is no doubt it is unique for every individual. The journey is called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or OCIA (previously named Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA).

Who

The journey is for:

• Those who have not been baptized
• Those who were baptized in another faith but would now like to explore becoming Catholic
• Baptized Catholics who have not received Eucharist and Confirmation. They are invited to participate in those portions of the journey that would be most applicable to their specific situation in preparation for receiving the Sacraments.
• Catholics who want to re-engage and grow in their Catholic Faith. They are invited to journey alongside those who are on this journey of exploration.

Journeying is never done alone. Those who enter the journey will be supported by the pastors, the Coordinator of Encountering Christ, and parishioners who welcome them into the parish, pray for them, listen to their hopes and concerns, and walk the journey with them. 

What

Beginning the journey is not a formal commitment to becoming Catholic, but an exploration. Typically, those who enter the journey walk a path that leads them to Sunday Mass, attendance at about twelve group sessions (after Mass) which are designed for learning and questioning, participation in parish life, personal prayer and discernment, and special celebrations that mark significant moments along the journey. For individuals who choose to remain on the journey, it culminates in the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion) in a glorious celebration that takes place on the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday.

Invitation

Faith in Jesus Christ is a precious gift of God's divine love and mercy. It is God who initiates this awesome movement of faith in a person's life, and it is God who continues to nurture that faith through the gentle movement of the Holy Spirit. If God has begun this movement in you, let OCIA guide you on the journey to a deeper experience of God working in your life. 

To be contacted by our Coordinator of Encountering Christ and learn more about OCIA, please submit the following: