An evangelization initiation process for adults & adapted for children

Becoming Catholic

Are you thinking of becoming catholic? Are you in need of baptism? are you baptized in another faith and seeking to become catholic? were you baptized catholic but did not complete the formation process for reconciliation, communion, and confirmation?

We are here to answer all your questions and more. the first step is to reach out to the becoming catholic coordinator to find out how to begin the process, or you can just start attending the inquiry sessions each sunday after the 9am Mass located in the modular offices on the west side of the church.

the Becoming Catholic Initiation Process (o.c.i.a. - order of christian initiation form adults) is a year-round process for adults discerning whether or not they would like to become a part of the roman catholic church community, or for catholics needing to complete their initiation process. maybe you are just seeking answers and are not yet ready to make the commitment to become fully initiated into the catholic church - this is a great place to start!

The OCIA is the official ritual text of the catholic church that prescribes the process by which a person who has never been baptized and has never been formed in the christian faith is to be evangelized by the word of god, formed (catechized / kat-eh-kih-zed) through the teachings and traditions of the church, established in the christian way of life, and welcomed into the christian community through various periods and ritual steps (1-2, 4-8).

the oCIA also provides guidance for the formation of “particular circumstances”: a.k.a. persons baptized into other christian communities who wish to be received into the catholic church and for the formation of baptized but uncatechized catholics who wish to complete their initiation through confirmation and reception of the eucharist (3).

the manual used in the o.c.i.a. process states that the rite is designed for adults “…who after hearing the mystery of christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living god.” the manual also states when speaking about those in the process “by god’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time receive the sacraments fruitfully.”

the purpose of the becoming catholic initiation process is to offer a year-round process with the objective of inviting catechumens (kat-eh-q-menz), who are the unbaptized, and candidates, who are the baptized, to enter a deeper experience of faith through formation as disciples.

More about the process:

who is becoming catholic initiation ministry for?

  • non-catholics who are considering joining the catholic church and would like to learn more about the catholic faith

  • those who have decided they want to join the catholic church through baptism (catechumen), or profession of faith (candidate)

  • those who were baptized catholic as infants but never received religious education, confirmation, or first eucharist.

are you already a fully initiated catholic but want to spend more time taking a deep dive into the catholic faith and growing in your relationship with christ? join the catechumenates and candidates as potential sponsors that walk the faith journey with those who are discerning the catholic faith! we warmly welcome you to join us to connect with others and discover the richness of your own faith journey.

sponsors

we meet weekly in the modular office building, which can be found at the southwest corner of our campus, on sundays following the 9:00am mass (around 10:15am). there is no fee! please, just come with an open mind and heart to embark on a transformational journey of faith.

meeting day & time

FAQs about the becoming catholic initiation process

  • Eventually, you may want to choose to complete the process. Initially, many are just seeking to learn more about the Catholic Church before making the commitment to become Catholic. A commitment will not be necessary until the inquirer is ready.

  • By joining the Becoming Catholic Initiation Ministry process, you are asked to make a two-fold promise:

    1. to be committed to the process itself;

    2. to possess an open heart and mind that is accessible to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

    Throughout the process, there are weekly sessions, various rites (special services/celebrations), and Mass attendance. As such, we are asking you to commit to the complete process.

  • We will need your religious background information and a copy of your baptismal record or certificate, if it exists. Furthermore, an initial meeting with the Ministry Coordinator is necessary. During the meeting, specific question swill be asked that will help us to acquire a clear understanding of your background; we will also provide assurance that the Initiation Process is explained and understood. Also, the information gleaned from the meeting will help us get to know you so we can assist you through the process, especially where it concerns marital history, which will determine the need for an annulment or for convalidation.

  • While we know that life can intrude during this process, it is absolutely essential that you make every attempt to be present for all sessions and other scheduled activities. If, for some reason, you cannot be present, please contact the Ministry Coordinator in advance so that you have an opportunity to make up what you will have missed.

  • No! There is only one Baptism; therefore, candidates will not be requested to be baptized. However, there are some religious baptisms not recognized by the Catholic Church and a Catholic baptism would then be necessary.

  • Contact the church where you were baptized since nearly all churches document their baptismal records. Your parents may have a copy of the baptism certificate. If the church does not exist anymore, or the record is irretrievable, then there are other means of obtaining this information, if necessary.

I’m interested! I want to contact the o.c.i.a. Coordinator!

Dcn. Jim brett O.C.I.A. Coordinator | Pastoral Assistant (623) 439-7515