Becoming Catholic

How can I become Catholic? 
How can I learn more about the Catholic Faith?
What is the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)? 

We are glad you are asking questions about the Catholic faith and we have answers for you. 

If you are:

  • an adult who has never been part of a formal religion

  • an adult who was baptized in a faith tradition other than Catholicsm

  • an adult who received some but not all of the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation

  • an adult who was raised in another faith and now wishes to become Catholic

We invite you to take the first step in the process of becoming Catholic by letting us know of your interest by filling out the form below:

Becoming Catholic Sessions

When?

Where?

Wednesdays, 7:00pm

September - May


Education & Formation Bldg

Room 104

What to expect at each session

Prayer

Personal sharing

A saint of the week

Small group sharing on the Sunday reading and Gospel

Catechesis (teaching on a particular topic)

The process the Church uses for the wonderful journey is the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). It is a year long personal faith journey that usually begins in September with a period of inquiry. During this time, inquiring people are given the opportunity to learn more about Catholicism, ask questions, and get to know what makes a Catholic a Catholic. During the Period of Inquiry, you will discuss the Church's teachings on Jesus Christ, learn about the Mass and the Sacraments of the Church, talk about the importance of sacred Scripture and Tradition, and the importance of prayer in your daily life. 

The process is concerned with the total formation of the person into believing with the Church community (doctrinal formation), living with the Church community (practical formation), praying with the Church community (liturgical formation), and serving with the Church community (apostolic formation). The whole community will be brought into this process through the celebration of several liturgical rites in the presence of the whole community. Persons who have expressed an interest in the Catholic faith begin a process of formation that offers the opportunity for a deeper conversion experience. Those who wish to receive the Sacraments of Initiation receive further formation in preparation for the Sacraments at Easter.

If you would like more information or you want to inquire about becoming Catholic, please email Deacon Coy Pierce or Jennifer Hardee
or call our office at (469)-467-9669.

OCIA Phases and Rites

Precatechumenate - Inquiry Phase

  • A time to ask questions

  • A time to tell stories

  • A time to build community

Rite of Acceptance  -  Welcoming

In this rite the participants seek and gain the acceptance and welcome of the community.  They are one step closer to recieving the Sacraments of Initiation.

Catechumenate Phase

  • Sharing doctrinal teachings, traditions and Catholic practices

  • Exploring prayer and Scripture

Rite of Election - Call to Continue Conversion

The unbaptized are "called" or "elected" by God to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.  The baptized express their desire to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

Purification & Enlightenment Phase

  • Prayer, reflection, fasting

  • Scrutinits - special rites which seal the break with evil

Mystagogy

  • Formation after full initiation into the Church

  • Explore life as a fully-initiated Christian