OCIA (How to Become Catholic)

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of Life.  (John 8:12)

Is God calling you into a deeper relationship with Him?  Is there something missing in your life?  Are you searching for something more in life; its meaning, its purpose?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we invite you to explore the OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

The OCIA is a process of learning about the Catholic faith.  Through this process, the Church introduces you into its rich traditions and deep roots as the family of God.  The Church invites you to become one with Jesus and His grace-filled community through Baptism into the Catholic faith if you are not baptized, or into the full communion of the Catholic Church if you are already baptized.

The OCIA is a process, not a program.  The process is designed specifically for those not Baptized, but includes adaptations for the already Baptized.  This journey of faith has four periods bridged by Liturgical Rites:

1. Period of Inquiry – a time to ask questions and learn the basics of the Catholic faith.
   Rite of Acceptance – a celebration during Mass in which the inquirers publicly expresses their intention to become Catholic.  Inquirers become Catechumens (Un-baptized) and Candidates (Baptized).
2. Period of Catechumenate – a time of continued and deeper study of God, scripture, the teachings of the Church, personal prayer, and the life of the Church.
   Rite of Election – a celebration at Mass and at the Cathedral with the Bishop in which the Catechumens express their firm commitment to enter the Church at the next Easter Vigil.  The Catechumens become the Elect.  Candidates remain Candidates.
3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment – a time of serious reflection on what it means to follow Christ in the Catholic Church and intense spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
   Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation – During the Easter Vigil, the Elect receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist and so become full members of the Catholic Church.
4. Period of Mystagogy – a time of reflection on the Sacraments of Initiation, of deeper understanding of the sacramental life, and of entering more fully into the daily life, mission, and prayer of the Catholic Church.
   We, the parishioners of Saint Agnes Church, welcome your interest in the Catholic Church.  We pray that you will be open to God calling you into a deeper relationship with Him through the Catholic Church.  We invite you to listen to Jesus’ call to you:

“Come, and you will see.”  (John 1:39)

OCIA sessions are held at St. Agnes Church every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the Parish Conference Room.  We invite anyone seeking to know more about the Catholic faith to give us a call or email.  We would love to learn about your faith journey and to share our faith with you.  For more information, please contact Mark Nutter at (859) 431-1802 or [email protected].