For anyone 18 or older interested in becoming Catholic, wishing to complete the sacraments
or, simply, wanting to learn more about what the Church teaches
OCIA / RCIA is for you!

OCIA is an on-going and developing process of initiation and renewal in the parish community.  This continuous process of spiritual formation encourages members of the parish to refresh and deepen their understanding of what the Church teaches and invites friends of the parish who are interested in becoming Catholic - catechumens (those yet to be baptized) and candidates (those yet to be confirmed) - to take charge of their interest and growth, walk with active and engaged Catholics, ask questions of those who walk with them and, together, explore the answers.  When an inquirer is ready they will become a catechumen or candidate and begin to progress through the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

These include:

• The Rite of Welcome / Acceptance - A declaration before the parish community of the desire to continue the journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church and a reception/acceptance of that desire by the parish community, offering its support and witness during the journey.

• The Rite of Sending / Election / Call to Continuing Conversion - Stirred by the Word of God and the life of the Catholic community catechumens and candidates express gratitude for all God is doing and offer an intentional response.

• The Rite of Scrutiny - An internal examination centered in the profound love of God and the desire of God to bring all people to full freedom and salvation

• The Rites of Initiation - Through the celebration of the Easter sacraments, the elect receive the forgiveness of sin, celebrate their identity as beloved children of God, share in the mission of Christ, and become full members of the Catholic communion.

The rites which catechumens and candidates receive at the parish level and at the cathedral with the Bishop are just one part of the on-going journey of discipleship that will culminate with baptism and confirmation - usually at the Easter Vigil - but will continue throughout their entire lives!  Through OCIA, with the support of engaged parishioners, we encourage inquirers, catechumens, and candidates to become more involved in the parish community, even before receiving the sacraments, that the seeds of fellowship and missionary discipleship may be sown in the well-fertilized soil of the soul.
 

The purpose of this beautiful process of on-going spiritual formation is to grow and nourish a fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ and the Whole People of God, within and beyond the Catholic Christian Community.

If you are interested in becoming Catholic, wishing to complete the sacraments
or, simply, wanting to learn more about what the Church teaches then join us this Fall for OCIA / RCIA!
~ Content and Class schedule provided below ~
  

 2023 - 2024 OCIA / RCIA Calendar

Classes are from 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the Gathering Space

OCTOBER

Sunday  10/1      Class:  Welcome, Your Journey of Faith - What Do You Seek?

• •    Class: Living as Disciples of Christ

• •      Class: Open Q & A: Anything we haven’t addressed or is unclear?

• •       Class: Prep and Practice for the Easter Vigil
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Please call the parish office for more information:  715-344-9117