BECOMING CATHOLIC - OCIA

The “OCIA” (Order of  Christian Initiation for Adults) is the process the Catholic Church welcomes non-Catholics and non-Christians into the Church.

The process begins with the curious person coming for “Inquiry”; the person asks questions and explores the beginnings of faith.  Inquirers can be those who:  definitely or seriously want to become Catholic; curious about what Catholics believe and want to begin to know; or already married to a Catholic and attend Mass, but just don’t know what the next step is to become Catholic. The Inquiry process allows the person to ask questions about Jesus and the Catholic, and of the community. It is meant for a non-baptized person

When an “Inquirer” wishes to continue this journey we celebrate a ritual of welcome within the parish community, and the “Inquirer” becomes a “Catechumen”. 

The formation (the Catechumenate) during this period is more in-depth and a sponsor is given to walk with you during the formation process. This formation lasts up to 2 years depending upon the degree of participation and the readiness. Catechumens are expected to attend Mass regularly with the parish, and to participate in all parish functions and events, both social and spiritual. When the Catechumen is considered prepared, he/she will be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil and celebrate Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, thereby becoming a full member of the Church.

If a person is coming from another Christian denomination and is validly baptized and well “churched,” this process can be shortened. The Candidate would be confirmed and receive their First Communion.

Following Easter, the “neophyte, as the newly baptized are called, continue in “mystagogia”, a period of time in which they continue to learn what it means to live as a Catholic.