OCIA

Become Catholic (OCIA): English track

Journey Into the Catholic Faith: Becoming Catholic

Welcome! If you are exploring the Catholic Church, asking questions, or feeling a nudge to take the next step in your spiritual journey, we are thrilled to walk alongside you.

Becoming Catholic is a profound, beautiful journey of faith, community, and discovery. Below is an overview of what the process looks like and how you can get started.

What is OCIA?

The primary pathway for adults entering the Catholic Church is known as OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)

This is a welcoming, weekly gathering where inquirers, seekers, and candidates come together to:

  • Explore the Scriptures: Learn what the Bible teaches and how Catholics read and live God’s Word.
  • Discover Church Teachings: Understand the history, traditions, sacraments, and moral teachings of the Catholic faith in an open, no-pressure environment.
  • Build Community: Connect with fellow seekers, mentors, and members of our parish family who are ready to support you with answers, prayer, and friendship.

The Four Stages of the Journey

The path into the Church is tailored to where you are spiritually and usually unfolds across four main phases:

  1. Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate): A time for asking big questions, addressing doubts, and learning the basics of Christian faith and Catholic life. There is no commitment required during this stage.
  2. Catechumenate: For those ready to move forward, this period dives deeper into Catholic doctrine, prayer, and scripture, helping shape your daily life around the Gospel.
  3. Purification and Enlightenment: Typically taking place during the season of Lent, this is a reflective, prayerful period of spiritual preparation leading up to the Easter sacraments.
  4. Initiation: The culmination of the journey! At the Easter Vigil service, participants receive the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism (if not already validly baptized), Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist (Communion)—fully entering into the life of the Catholic Church.

Who is this for?

  • Unbaptized Adults: Those who have never been baptized and wish to become full members of the Christian and Catholic community.
  • Christians Baptized in Other Denominations: Those who have already been baptized in a Trinitarian Christian tradition (such as Protestant or Orthodox churches) and wish to complete their Christian initiation by entering into full communion with the Catholic Church.
  • Baptized Catholics: Adults who were baptized Catholic as children but have not yet received the Sacraments of First Communion and/or Confirmation.

Take the First Step

You don't need to have all the answers figured out to begin. Wherever you are coming from, you are welcome here.

  • When we meet: [Insert Day of the Week / Time, e.g., Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM]
  • Where we meet: [Insert Room / Location Name, e.g., St. Joseph Parish Hall]
  • Get in Touch: Reach out to our parish office or fill out the quick contact form below, and a member of our ministry team will reach out to welcome you and answer any questions you have.
Contact Information:
  • Phone: [Insert Phone Number]
  • Email: [Insert Email Address]
  • Online Form: [Link to Sign-up/Contact Page]


DATES FOR SESSIONS


August

  • 12th 7:00-10:00 pm English

September

  • 9th 7:00-10:00 pm English

October

  • 14th 7:00-10:00 pm English

November

  • 11th 7:00-10:00 pm English