becoming Catholic

What is OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process of introducing Catholic beliefs and practices to adults and children who desire to join the Church or complete their Christian initiation into the Church.

Holy Family and the Catholic Church always welcomes new members into its community and invites individuals interested in learning more about the Catholic faith the opportunity to do so. 

The OCIA is for three groups:

1. Those who are not baptized 
2. Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church
3. Baptized Catholics who were never formed in the Catholic faith and have not completed their initiation; that is, who have received neither of the sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation 

The OCIA sessions primarily provide a journey of faith that takes interested persons..." from the awareness of a stirring of faith and curiosity within one's heart through:

• the stages of asking and seeking;
• beginning involvement with Roman Catholic people;
• hearing the Gospel and faithful reflection and prayer;
• study and discussion to learn about the Catholic way of life; 
• discernment of God's call for them as individuals;
• the steps of commitment; and 
• the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation).

To a life of faith, love, and justice lived in communion with Catholics throughout the world." 

Any adult, 18 years of age and older, who is either unbaptized or a baptized Christian of another faith, is invited to participate in the OCIA process. Children ages eight and above are also invited to participate in a modified, age-appropriate version of the RCIA process.

What are the steps in the OCIA process?

INQUIRY:
The process begins with a period known as Inquiry. This involves some time of instruction, during which interested individuals can learn the core beliefs of the Catholic Church, the Sacraments and Rituals, and basic Church history. Inquirers are encouraged to ask many questions of the OCIA team members. After this initial period, participants are asked to affirm their decision to continue with OCIA and their intention to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church.

CATECHUMENATE:
Next is an extended period of sessions, which are designed to bring participants into the Church community while continuing to inform them about the Church and the Sacraments in a profound way. This period allows participants the opportunity to examine their commitment and deepen their personal relationship with God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Once a participant is ready to make a commitment of faith to Jesus in the Catholic Church, they may formally request Baptism and/or Confirmation to enter into the Church.

SACRAMENTS:
Those who have formally requested entrance into the Catholic Church are next invited to an introspective period of time involving prayer and reflection. This normally takes place during Lent and leads up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation (customarily received at the Easter Vigil.)

MYSTAGOGY:
As a newly initiated Catholic, participants continue their faith formation and education in a period of reflection and prayer known as mystagogy. This allows participants to reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about their Church and their role in it. This period gives newly baptized and/or confirmed Catholics a chance to join or participate in different ministries in the Church and become acquainted with Parish life.

Questions 

What if I’m married civilly, divorced, or divorced and remarried? If you were married in a civil ceremony or if you are divorced and remarried, your circumstances should be addressed before beginning OCIA. Please visit with Fr. Slezak.  

What documents are required for becoming Catholic? Baptized Christians will need only a copy of their baptismal record.

What if I have young children who need Baptism or First Communion? Youths between 8 and 13 years old may attend OCIA that has been adapted for their circumstances. Parents are encouraged to join them on a separate night. Children under the age of 8 may participate in our Religious Education programs. 

Contact: Holy Family Parish Office at 315-823-3410.