We are excited to welcome you as you discern the invitation by God to become Catholic. You probably have a lot of questions and a few fears. It is indeed a very big step and because of that we are not here to pressure you or move you too quickly through the process. Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) discussions give you time to pray, reflect, and discern along the way. Although many decide to become Catholic, others don’t and that’s okay.
We are here to help, and to be a resource to guide you. But understand, discernment is a two-way process. We don’t force you to be Catholic and you can’t force the Church to make you Catholic. This is why there is no precise time frame. Some could be within a year, others several years.
Take the Initial Step ...
Set up a meeting with a member of the OCIA or OCIC team. During this initial meeting you will be asked to fill out paperwork, answer some questions about why you (or your child) wish to be Catholic, and learn about the process. If you (or your child) are already baptized, please supply a copy of your baptismal certificate. Contact us using the form below to be put into contact with our OCIA & OCIA team.
We are here to help, and to be a resource to guide you. But understand, discernment is a two-way process. We don’t force you to be Catholic and you can’t force the Church to make you Catholic. This is why there is no precise time frame. Some could be within a year, others several years.
Take the Initial Step ...
Set up a meeting with a member of the OCIA or OCIC team. During this initial meeting you will be asked to fill out paperwork, answer some questions about why you (or your child) wish to be Catholic, and learn about the process. If you (or your child) are already baptized, please supply a copy of your baptismal certificate. Contact us using the form below to be put into contact with our OCIA & OCIA team.
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Who is eligible to become Catholic?
The short answer is anyone. Anyone who is seeking to enter into a relationship with Christ and His Church and is willing to follow the teachings and practices of His Church moving forward. Conversion then is the key element.
What does it mean to be received fully into the Catholic Church?
When someone enters into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil one will receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist if they are non-baptized. If someone is already validly baptized (hence proof of baptism) they will receive Confirmation and Eucharist since there is only one Baptism. Once someone is received, they have full membership in the Church and hold equal standing as any other Catholic.
How long is the process to become Catholic?
Again, it depends on several factors. There is no specific time frame. It all depends on the person’s willingness and freedom to become Catholic. Some may do so within the year, others several years. If the candidate is seeking baptism that can only occur at the Easter Vigil (March/April). However, if the person is not ready at that time, they will have to wait until the next Easter Vigil. Or perhaps the one after that. The goal is long-term commitment; therefore, it should not be taken lightly or be rushed.
OCIA Classes
Required Classes are held regularly on Thursday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. John Church. The expectation is you are serious and will take this seriously. One who is not willing to make every effort to attend the classes and Sunday Masses will be deemed unready to be welcomed into the Church that year.
Being a Parishioner
It is expected that if you attend OCIA then you are desiring to be a future parishioner of one of the St. Carlo Acutis Family of Parishes. A parishioner is one who belongs to a local community. They participate in the Liturgical Life of the parish, support it financially, and are active in the various ministries and social events. A parish is a community, and a community is only as vibrant as its members. If you truly want to be Catholic, it means fellowship. But you are also a member of the Universal (Catholic) Church, which means you can also go to Mass anywhere in the world. We are the One Body, here on earth and in heaven.
The short answer is anyone. Anyone who is seeking to enter into a relationship with Christ and His Church and is willing to follow the teachings and practices of His Church moving forward. Conversion then is the key element.
What does it mean to be received fully into the Catholic Church?
When someone enters into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil one will receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist if they are non-baptized. If someone is already validly baptized (hence proof of baptism) they will receive Confirmation and Eucharist since there is only one Baptism. Once someone is received, they have full membership in the Church and hold equal standing as any other Catholic.
How long is the process to become Catholic?
Again, it depends on several factors. There is no specific time frame. It all depends on the person’s willingness and freedom to become Catholic. Some may do so within the year, others several years. If the candidate is seeking baptism that can only occur at the Easter Vigil (March/April). However, if the person is not ready at that time, they will have to wait until the next Easter Vigil. Or perhaps the one after that. The goal is long-term commitment; therefore, it should not be taken lightly or be rushed.
OCIA Classes
Required Classes are held regularly on Thursday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. John Church. The expectation is you are serious and will take this seriously. One who is not willing to make every effort to attend the classes and Sunday Masses will be deemed unready to be welcomed into the Church that year.
Being a Parishioner
It is expected that if you attend OCIA then you are desiring to be a future parishioner of one of the St. Carlo Acutis Family of Parishes. A parishioner is one who belongs to a local community. They participate in the Liturgical Life of the parish, support it financially, and are active in the various ministries and social events. A parish is a community, and a community is only as vibrant as its members. If you truly want to be Catholic, it means fellowship. But you are also a member of the Universal (Catholic) Church, which means you can also go to Mass anywhere in the world. We are the One Body, here on earth and in heaven.