Are you interested in becoming a Catholic? Or at least looking into the possibility?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic Faith and way of life. The OCIA is a communal process and involves a number of stages punctuated by liturgical rites to aid and assist the potential convert toward the final rite at the Easter Vigil at which time they will become full members of the Roman Catholic Church.
The goal of the OCIA is an intimate union with God and his Holy Church. This goal is obtained through the ritual of reception into the Catholic Church and the three sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
The entire process takes several months, but participants are invited to proceed at a pace, which suits them individually.
The word "catholic" means universal! Therefore, everyone and anyone is welcome in the Catholic Church. Feel free, at any time, to join us at the Sunday Liturgy or at any of our parish events. However, to share in the Sacraments, such as receiving Holy Communion at Mass on Sunday, it is required that one enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. The basic requirements for entering into full communion are as follows:
- You need to know the basics of what the Catholic Church teaches and believes.
- You need to honestly believe these teachings.
- You need to make what we call a "public profession of faith" in the Church.
The first step in this process is a process of basic education in the Catholic faith.
"OCIA" (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) and is specifically for those who have very little or no Christian background and little knowledge of the Bible. The OCIA program begins in the early fall and runs weekly until Easter. Click on the OCIA Calendar on the left side of the page for specific days and times. You will be asked to attend classes each week so that you will obtain a basic understanding of the Catholic faith. Come Easter time, if you are comfortable with all you have learned you will be invited to make a profession of faith with the others in this program and thus become a Catholic.
For those who have been baptized Catholic but have not received the Eucharist or Confirmation, know the basics of the Bible, and have an active faith life already, you may attend the entire OCIA program as outlined above. Contact us if you would like more information on this process.
Current OCIA Program Information
- The group will begin meeting on September 9, 2025
- The program runs through Easter, 2026.
- Welcome to the Church and Sacraments will be received at the Easter Vigil on April 4, 2026
- A $30 Registration Fee is requested.
- For additional information or questions, contact Deacon Tom Murray: 262-455-5074; or additionally, you can see Deacon Tom after Sunday Mass
- Additionally, kindly fill out the (no obligation) Registration Form at the link below to be kept informed of all OCIA program news and announcements.
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Parish Office |
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Current OCIA Schedule
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OCIA FAQ
The short answer is you! St Mary’s has many inquirers year after year, and it is thanks to your cooperation with the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we as a parish community open our hearts to welcome new members. The invitation to inquire about the Catholic faith happens in our families, in the workplace, in gatherings with friends and neighbors, and in our daily contacts. As we begin a new year of OCIA let us give thanks to God as He continuously strengthens each of us who seek to do His will in offering a gentle, humble, and clear welcome to the Catholic faith.
"Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)
- Persons in need of Baptism.
- Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
- Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process established by the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive any of the sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a "spiritual journey." Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church He founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. The RCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the Apostles. It was the early Church's way of Christianizing the pagan Roman Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.
The time varies depending upon a number of factors such as the individual parish, pending validation of a marriage, or the individual's own spiritual journey. However, the normal OCIA process is rarely shorter than six months or longer than three years. Here at St Mary's we begin classes in the fall, and end a few weeks after the candidates have been fully received into the Catholic Church at the celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass.
Classes are held in the St Joseph Center Teacher Lounge on Tuesday evenings and run from September to Easter.
The parish requests a $30 fee for class registration. If this fee would affect your interest or enrollment in the class, please contact or see Fr. Sean or Deacon Tom.
Most Catholics have had an individual in their lives who has made an impact on their Catholic faith. You could be that person! Individuals seeking full communion with God in the Catholic Church need an OCIA Sponsor or Godparent to assist them on their spiritual journey. Sponsors and Godparents will be witnesses to the faith assisting in the evangelization process along with furthering their own education and deepening their own conversion to Jesus Christ in His Church. By mentoring a person in their spirituality they play a critical role in welcoming them into an existing parish community through the various liturgical celebrations, parish activities, faith sharing, and communal service ministries here at St Mary's.
If you feel the Holy Spirit is calling you to this exciting and life-changing opportunity, please contact Parish Office at 815-338-3377.
