Adult

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Do you have questions about the Roman Catholic Faith? Do you find yourself wanting to attend Mass without knowing why? Are you married to a Catholic and wish to share the faith with them? Is the Holy Spirit calling you? Do you hunger for the Eucharist offered at the Table of the Lord? The process of Initiation begins with the question, “Am I called to share this faith?”

OCIA describes a process in which men and women are guided and cared for as they awaken in faith and are gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life. This is accomplished within a series of carefully planned stages, marked by liturgical rites, celebrated in the presence of the whole community, in which new Catholics embark on and join us in a continuing and deepening conversion into faith and discipleship. The goal of the OCIA is to provide an intellectual and spiritual framework in which an individual’s conversion experience can be understood and supported by our faith community. The OCIA process is facilitated in several different ways. 

We invite participants to attend classes specifically designed to introduce them to the Catholic faith.  These classes are held during our Faith Formation sessions. We support the spiritual component of the journey with group dialog, sponsor involvement and regular Dismissals (which occur during Mass and focus on breaking open the Word of God). The participants are asked to attend three retreats during the year which focus on discernment and renewal. All periods of the process are marked with celebrations within our faith community encouraging participants to make this community their own and enter into it fully. 

For more information please contact Michelle Mason at the Parish Office.