Are you interested in becoming Catholic or simply ​learning more about what the Catholic Church teaches, then Becoming Catholic (O.C.I.A.) is for you!

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What is O.C.I.A.?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is for unbaptized adults who seek initiation into the Catholic Church through Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. OCIA is also for adults who are baptized, whether Catholic or not, and seek full initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. While the OCIA process is primarily for these groups, all parishioners and guests who want to update their faith are welcome to attend our meetings. 

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The OCIA process has several distinct stages:

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• Inquiry: The initial period of asking questions, seeking answers, and learning more before you decide to enter the Catholic Church.

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• Catechumenate: Those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you’re developing your faith and growing more in knowledge about Catholic faith and life.

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• Purification and Enlightenment: The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter.  If you’re following the RCIA process, you’ll go through a beautiful series of Gospel-based meditations during Lent, which is the time frame of this period.

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• Initiation: The culmination of the whole process! You’re received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where you’ll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. 

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• Mystagogy: After reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.

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