Becoming Catholic

September
Join us on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30pm.
Contact: [email protected] or call 651-457-2781

October - November
Period of Inquiry  This is the initial stage of one's faith journey within the O.C.I.A. process. It is a time of hearing the Gospel, a time to sort out questions and motivations, a time of introduction into the faith life of the Catholic Church. Participants in this phase of the process are called "inquirers".  The Rite of Acceptance & Welcome is held in November.

December - February
Period of the Catechumenate  This is the phase when much of the teaching (catechesis) takes place. It presumes an initial commitment to the O.C.I.A. process (a form of conversion) as one explores the beliefs, values, prayer and mission of the Catholic Church. Participants in the phase of the process are called "catechumens" (if not baptized yet) or "candidates for full communion" (if baptized already).

March - April
Period of Purification & Enlightenment  This phase in O.C.I.A. is a time of discernment for both the candidates and the catechumens -- now called "the elect". The season of Lent provides a period of spiritual retreat to examine the moments that God has "broken through" and given enlightenment in the preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation. Accounts within the Gospel of  John will help the elect and candidates to discern their readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation as the Easter Vigil approaches.  Rite of Election is held at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

April - May
The Period of Mystagogy  Received as new members of the Body of Christ, the newly baptized and confirmed continue their formation as they celebrate and reflect on the mysteries they have encountered in the Sacraments of Initiation.  This phase brings newly initiated through the transition from O.C.I.A. community to the full life of the parish.

The ORDER of CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (O.C.I.A.)
is the normative process that brings people in full communion with the Catholic Church. Modeled after how people were brought into the Church in the first centuries, O.C.I.A. helps inquirers prayerfully, intentionally, and gradually discern if they are called into the Catholic faith.

For whom is O.C.I.A. intended?

O.C.I.A. is primarily intended for those who are unbaptized and who are preparing for the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. However, the Order provides adaptations for those who are already baptized but are preparing for a profession of faith and full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

When does O.C.I.A. meet at Saint Joseph?

O.C.I.A. meets on Tuesdays at 7:00pm beginning in September and meets every week (with a few exceptions) through May.
Each session includes time for prayer, learning about the Catholic Faith, with time for discussion and will adjourn at 8:30pm.

What is the first step to take?

The first step is to contact us at [email protected].
This will give someone interested a chance to learn more about the process and have their questions answered.