Welcome!

Becoming Catholic is a wonderful journey and we welcome you! Please know that we are here for you on your path, wherever that may lead. There is no pressure, as the choice to becoming a Catholic-Christian is a totally free one.  This process goes at your pace, based on your needs and timing.  The overall process is meant to be a training in all aspects of Christian life. Christian Initiation engages new members in all four key areas of religion: beliefs, morality, worship, and community.  In the process of this journey you will receive group instruction about Catholic beliefs and practices. You will also develop a personal prayer life, find a sense of community, serve others, and get more involved in Parish worship and life. If you are already baptized Catholic, we welcome you to complete your Sacraments of Initiation and learn alongside us in the sessions that would help you most. You will generally be partnered with an OCIA Team Discipleship Partner in the Parish so that you can stay connected, having extra support as you need it.

Is There a Timeline?

Regular topic-based meetings occur twice monthly along with scripture study and Sunday Mass. Please reach out at anytime, and we will gladly begin walking the journey with you!  How long the process takes is adapted according to the individual. There is no time frame for the Holy Spirit!

Rites and Steps in the Process: Catholic Baptism, First Communion, & Confirmation:

Becoming a baptized Catholic-Christian involves a series of ritual steps that mark one's gradual progress in the journey of faith. The path of Christian initiation reaches its climax with Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, but the journey does not end here.  It continues for the Easter Season (Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday) as new believers live and reflect on their Easter experience. New Catholics continue to learn and engage in the Parish community. Click the link below to learn more

I am Already a Baptized as a non-Catholic Christian. Is this Process for Me?

If you have been validly baptized in another Christian denomination, we honor the dignity of your baptism and recognize your unity with us. You do not need to be "re-baptized". A non-Catholic Christian is welcome to participate in twice-monthly Monday sessions as needed to learn about the Catholic faith. We encourage you to become part of Parish life. Baptized Christians who desire full communion with the Catholic Church celebrate a ritual called Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, where you make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion. This can be done at any time of the year. Click below for more information.

I am Already a Baptized Catholic. Is this Process for Me?

If you are already baptized Catholic, we welcome you to complete your Sacraments of Initiation and learn alongside us in the sessions that would help you most. You may have already been well catechized and do not require lengthy formation. You may have been baptized as an infant and had no further exposure to the Catholic faith, or any Christian faith. How much time you need to spend in the process is largely dependent upon your own history and needs. We are here to help you discern that.  

Resources:

1. The New American Bible (for purchase) or online: USCCB Online Bible
2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (USCCB page), or click here for purchase on Amazon.
3. This Mass Booklet was recommended to us by a former OCIA attendee! -The Order of the Holy Mass
4. This is our main book for our sessions, rich in easy-to-understand content and fully illustrated: The Catholic Faith Handbook
5. Formed.org: Our Parish Family has an account where you can access films, podcasts, ebooks, and more Catholic content for all ages! See below for how to create an account with us!