Becoming Catholic (“OCIA”)

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

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

If you are an adult who:

  • is unbaptized/was raised in a non-Christian religion

  • was baptized in a Christian tradition other than Catholicism

  • was baptized Catholic but have not yet received the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, or Confirmation

…and you want to find out more about being fully initiated in the Church, fill out the form below!

How long does it take to become Catholic?

As long as one needs!

The journey into full initiation into the Christian faith involves different stages, with different ritual steps marking the move from one stage to the next. From inquiry to more intentional formation, from preparation for the sacraments of initiation to post-sacramental formation, a person grows in a relationship with Jesus Christ and is prepared for a lifelong journey of Christian discipleship through Christ’s one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

If you would like more information or you want to inquire about becoming Catholic, please email Jennifer Hardee, our Director of Adult Faith Formation. You may also call our parish office at (469)-467-9669.

OCIA Stages and Ritual Steps

First Stage: Inquiry

  • A time to ask questions

  • A time to hear stories of faith

  • A time to build connections with the parish community

1st Ritual Step: Rites of Acceptance/Welcoming

In this rite, participants go from being inquirers to being accepted by the community as more intentional discerners of the Faith.

Second Stage: Catechumenate/Candidacy

  • Growing in prayer and Scripture

  • Diving more deeply into Catholic teachings, traditions, and practices

2nd Ritual Step: Rites of Election/Call to Continue Conversion

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

Third Stage: Purification & Enlightenment

  • Prayer, reflection, fasting during the Lenten season

  • Scrutinies - special rites which seal the break with evil

3rd Ritual Step: Reception of the Sacraments of Initiation

Fourth Stage: Mystagogy

  • Formation after full initiation into the Church

  • Exploring life as a fully-initiated Christian