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Becoming Catholic - OCIA -
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
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Interested in Becoming Catholic through the Community of St. Patrick?
Perhaps you or someone you know has never been baptized, or was baptized in another Christian faith. You may have questions about the Catholic Church, want to be part of an accepting and nurturing community, or desire to hear more of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus.
You are cordially invited to inquire about becoming Catholic through the community here at St. Patrick. Here you can learn what Catholics believe and what Catholics do. You can raise the issues on your minds or in your hearts and have a mentor to help you find the answers.
Those who have never been baptized can investigate what it means to be Christian. Those baptized in another Christian tradition can learn more of the process to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. Those who were baptized Catholic but never raised as Catholic can learn about being Confirmed and receiving the Eucharist.
Let us introduce you to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), a process by which a person can become Catholic, which focuses its teachings on the church calendar and the readings we hear at church.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can participate? This process is open to those who have never been baptized, Christians baptized in another faith tradition, or Catholics who were baptized in the Catholic Church, but never completed the sacraments. There is also a process for children over age six.
- How much does all of this cost? It's free. All materials will be provided by St. Patrick Catholic Church.
- Home much time does this take? There is no firm answer to that question other than it takes as long as it takes. The process is different because people are different. Each person is on a different journey of life and how long this will take depends on what you are asking of us.
- Do I have to become Catholic if I participate in OCIA? No. There is no obligation or pressure to become a member of the Catholic Church if you choose to participate in this process. You are free to leave at any time. We hope that even if you choose to leave you will have gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of Catholic teaching and have grown in your relationship with God.
- One More Thing. In addition to helping you decide whether the Catholic Church is the best place for you to deepen your relationship with God, St. Patrick Church wants to support you by providing you with a spiritual companion or sponsor who will walk closely with you on your journey to a deeper faith. You don't have to do this alone.
- Contact: Mary Rogers, OCIA Coordinator, [email protected]
Our Prayer For You
Lord God, you sit high but look low. Look now throughout this community. Find those who have been wanting a deeper spiritual life with you, your Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit, through the Catholic community of St. Patrick. May they no longer be afraid to take this step in their journey of faith that will bring them to a closer walk with you. Lead them to those who can help them the most. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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