OCIA | Parish Family 45

BECOMING CATHOLIC

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation)

OCIA is the year-round process which welcomes new members into the Catholic Church. This process is a personal faith journey involving the experience of faith sharing between Catechumenate participants and members of the Church. The Christian initiation of adults is for those who are: 1) unbaptized, 2) baptized Christians of other denominations seeking Full Communion with the Catholic Church, or 3) baptized but not catechized Catholics.

Christian Initiation is a personal journey of conversion. Since everyone inquires at an individual level, some people need more time than others to prepare for the lifetime commitment that comes with membership in the Catholic Church. The process of spiritual renewal and learning should not be hasty. For those seeking baptism, the whole of the Catechumate process takes at least a year, and for those baptized Christians seeking Full Communion with the Catholic Church, the process usually takes less time.

Children above the age of reason (about age 7) who have not been baptized are prepared through Christian Initiation of Children and receive all the Sacraments of Initiation at the same time, including Confirmation.

Click below if you are interested in learning more about this process!

OCIA (English)

OCIA (Spanish)

If you are 18 years and older and have already been Baptized into the Catholic Faith, but would like to receive the sacrament of First Eucharist or Confirmation as an adult please click below!

Adult Confirmation (English)

Adult Confirmation (Spanish)

Inquiry

Parish Family 45 offers inquiry sessions for people interested in becoming Catholic at all three of our churches year round! Please see the schedule for upcoming inquiry sessions here.

Come learn more about the process of joining the Catholic Faith!

Our Lady of Lourdes: 2nd and 4th Sunday from 10:10 to 10:50 in Pastoral Center Library.
The Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater: 1st and 3rd Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 in Upper Room.
St. Joseph: Every Sunday from 3:30 to 4:30 in St. John Paul II Library in Marian Hall.

Stages of OCIA

Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry)

This is the time when one asks all one ever wanted to know about the Church. It is a time for evangelization. The inquirers learn more about Jesus, reflect on their own lives in light of the Gospel message, and deepen their relationship with Him. Even those who already believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ can hear the message afresh and move to deeper conversion of mind and heart. Some choose not to go any further, most continue on. This period ends with the Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate.

Catechumenate

During this time, much of the teaching takes place. The involvement of a sponsor and members of the parish are very important. Through them, catechumens experience the Church as a community of believers. They come to know the tremendous love and convincing power of God in their lives and in the life of the community. Persons may remain catechumens for a time span lasting from a few months to a number of years.

Purification & Enlightenment (Lent)

Occurring during the penitential time of Lent, this period is a time of reflecting together on Scripture, the Church's practices of faith (Creed) and prayer, and observing traditions of fasting and works of charity. Catechumens who will be celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation are given a formal invitation at the Rite of Election, presided by the bishop. Those already baptized seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are given special attention through the Call to Continuing Conversion.

Sacraments of Initiation

Mystagogy (Living the Mystery)

The period of the 50 days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost completes Initiation. It is time for the neophytes (young plants) to find their home in the community and consider how they will share in the mission of the Church through Christian service, while penetrating the deeper meaning of the Easter Sacraments. This stage is a reminder to everyone that the process of spiritual growth is not complete with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. It is a lifelong task!