Order of Christian Initiation of Adults – OCIA (Formerly RCIA)
OCIA is a faith journey by which inquirers prepare to become Catholic or finish their initiation into the Catholic Church. The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. OCIA is the process of discerning one’s readiness for this commitment.
OCIA is for:
- Adults who have never been baptized
- Adults who have been baptized in another Christian faith and seek to join the Catholic Church
- Adults who have been baptized Catholic but have not received all the Sacraments of Initiation (First Holy Communion and Confirmation)
- Catholics who wish to sponsor candidates on their journey to the church.
The OCIA process entails:
- Attending weekly classes aimed to expand your knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Prayer.
- Learning what the Catholic Church believes and teaches about God, the Church, and living as a Catholic
- Understanding the Creed and preparing to profess it
- Attending Mass and learning about and participating in Catholic devotions and prayers
- Being a part of a parish community through praying together, attending parish events, and volunteering with fellow parishioners.
There is a registration fee of $25 for all inquirers and sponsors to help cover the cost of materials.
OCIA classes begin mid-August and continue through May. OCIA meets Wednesday evenings in the Parrish Hall from 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm.
If you are interested in learning more about the process to come into Full Communion with the Catholic Church through our OCIA program, please fill out the form below and someone will contact you.
OCIA Inquiry
This form is for people who are interested in OCIA
BE A SPONSOR FOR OCIA
Christ calls us all to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Being a sponsor for someone on their journey to be fully initiated in the Church is a beautiful opportunity to directly answer Christ’s call.
We’re looking for people who have been Catholic for at least a year, who can be an example of what it looks like to live out the Catholic faith in different states of life, and who can form relationships with those on the journey.
Additionally, walking with someone learning about the Catholic faith is a GREAT way to grow in your own faith. Not only will you be reviewing and learning about Catholic teachings, but we’ll also be diving into prayer and how to deepen your personal relationship with God.
The Ministry of the Sponsor
- The ministry of the sponsor is a ministry of accompaniment.
- A sponsor is not a teacher, not a spiritual director, not an expert.
- A sponsor is a living example of what it means to be an ordinary, happy Catholic.
- A sponsor supports the candidate through the gift of her or his presence, consistently and intentionally.
- A sponsor is a witness of the candidate’s spiritual journey into the Catholic Church.
- A sponsor presents the needs of his or her candidate to God daily in prayer.
Basic Requirements of a Sponsor
- To be a sponsor, you must be at least 16 years of age.
- Have received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist.
- Be someone other than the parent of the catechumen/candidate.
- Be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
- (Preferably) be a registered member of the parish.
- (Preferably) be someone other than the spouse or significant other of the catechumen/candidate.
Specific Commitments of the Sponsor
- Attend Mass every Sunday, preferably with your candidate
- Attend the weekly catechetical OCIA sessions, even when your candidate is not present
- Meet with your candidate at least once every other week for at least 30 minutes
- Pray for your candidate every day
- Intentionally invite your candidate to join and participate in the communal life of St. Patrick Catholic Church.
If you are interested in being a sponsor, please click here to fill out a short form.