Faith Formation
Becoming Catholic
Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Are you an adult Catholic wishing to receive First Communion and Confirmation?
OCIA: A Journey to Eternity
OCIA is the Catholic Faith Journey for adults seeking baptism, confirmation, and full communion.
All Are Welcome!
OCIA, The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are nonbaptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.
OCIA Is a Journey
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:
Pre-Catechumenate
This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
Rite of Initiation
The first Rite in the OCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.
Catechumenate
The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
Rite of Election
Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the OCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Mystagogy
This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
Our Program
Three opportunities for OCIA will be available this year in the St. Gaspar family of parishes, starting in September:
- Holy Trinity: Wednesdays at 11:45 a.m., starting September 3
- St. Paul: Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., starting September 3
- Holy Trinity: Sundays at 12:00 p.m., starting September 7
Each group will be using the “Foundations of Faith: A Journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church” series from Ascension. Cost for the workbook and internet access to the videos is $40. Scholarships will be offered on an as-needed basis.
Join the Journey, Become a Sponsor
Persons from the parish are encouraged to become part of the lives of our initiates by becoming involved in OCIA. Why be a sponsor? Christ calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Being an OCIA sponsor for someone on their journey to be fully initiated into the Church is a wonderful opportunity to answer Christ’s call. Additionally, walking with someone learning about the Catholic faith is a great way to grow in your own faith.
Expectations of a Sponsor
- Praying for you candidate on a regular basis
- Attending mass weekly
- Attending a sponsor training session (Time: TBD)
- Attending a majority of weekly OCIA meetings (Classes run September – May)
- Meeting regularly with your candidate to encourage, accompany and invite to parish happenings
Contact: Lynda Middleton, 937-228-1223, lyndamiddleton9@gmail.com.
Become Catholic
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