Becoming Catholic
We welcome anyone who has interest in becoming Catholic to reach out to us! Our pastor, Fr. Del, would love to have a conversation with you and assist you in prayerfully considering what your next steps might look like. Please fill out the form bellow to tell us a little about yourself. We will follow up with you shortly to schedule a meeting with Fr. Del.
Being Catholic - Living Life with God
What are the basics of being Catholic? First and foremost, it means that we believe in Jesus Christ. An ancient but concise summary of our core beliefs may be found here: Nicene Creed. As this indicates, a Catholic is someone who believes in one God, Who is three divine Persons: the Father, Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. Following the instructions of God, Catholics believe that God loves and cares for His people dearly, in all events and stages of life, and connects with us in a very special way through the Sacraments. The first of these Sacraments is Baptism, which establishes us as a member of God's family. Other Sacraments include Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders. The Church provides education and preparation for all of these Sacraments.
To be considered a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church, a person must be Baptized, receive the Eucharist, and be Confirmed. These are called the Sacraments of Initiation.
To practice the Catholic faith, a person must attend Mass on all Holy Days, receive the Eucharist at least once a year, go to Confession at least once a year, and support the needs/community of the Church as much as possible. All of these activities help us to stay close to the God Who loves us and lets us encounter Him in our regular lives more fully.
OCIA: Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is the process of introducing Catholic beliefs and practices to adults and children who desire to join the Church or complete their Christian initiation into the Church.
The OCIA is for three groups:
- Those who are not baptized
- Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church
- Baptized Catholics who were never formed in the Catholic faith and have not completed their initiation; that is, who have received neither of the sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation
The OCIA sessions primarily provide a journey of faith that takes interested persons, "...from the awareness of a stirring of faith and curiosity within one's heart through..."
- the stages of asking and seeking,
- beginning involvement with Roman Catholic people,
- hearing the Gospel and faithful reflection and prayer,
- study and discussion to learn about the Catholic way of life,
- discernment of God's call for them as individuals,
- the steps of commitment,
- the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation),
"...to a life of faith, love, and justice lived in communion with Catholics throughout the world."
Any adult, 18 years of age and older, who is either unbaptized or a baptized Christian of another faith, is invited to participate in the OCIA process. Children ages 8 and above are also invited to participate in a modified, age-appropriate version of the OCIA process.
What are the steps in the OCIA process?
- Inquiry: The process begins with a period known as Inquiry. This involves some time of instruction, during which interested individuals can learn the core beliefs of the Catholic Church, the Sacraments and Rituals, and basic Church history. Inquirers are encouraged to ask many questions of the OCIA team members. After this initial period, participants are asked to affirm their decision to continue with OCIA and their intention to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church.
- Catechumenate: Next is an extended period of sessions, which are designed to bring participants into the Church community while continuing to inform them about the Church and the Sacraments in a profound way. This period allows participants the opportunity to examine their commitment and deepen their personal relationship with God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Once a participant is ready to make a commitment of faith to Jesus in the Catholic Church, they may formally request Baptism and/or Confirmation to enter into the Church.
- Sacraments: Those who have formally requested entrance into the Catholic Church are next invited to an introspective period of time involving prayer and reflection. This normally takes place during Lent and leads up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation (customarily received at the Easter Vigil.)
- Mystagogy: As a newly initiated Catholic, participants continue their faith formation and education in a period of reflection and prayer known as mystagogy. This allows participants to reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about their Church and their role in it. This period gives newly baptized and/or confirmed Catholics a chance to join or participate in different ministries in the Church and become acquainted with Parish life.
Common Questions
What if I’m married civilly, divorced, or divorced and remarried?
If you were married in a civil ceremony or if you are divorced and remarried, your circumstances should be addressed before beginning OCIA. Please visit with Fr. Del so that we can address them right away.
What documents are required for becoming Catholic?
Baptized Christians will need only a copy of their baptismal record.
What if I have young children who need Baptism or First Communion?
Baptism may be received at any age. However, we require that a child be at least 7 years old to receive First Communion and First Reconciliation. Families with children under the age of 7 may arrange Baptism at any time with Fr. Del. Unbaptized children between 7-13 years of age may attend an OCIA class specially adapted for children that takes place on Monday evenings. We do require that a parent/guardian attend classes with them to offer understanding and support. Students 14 and up may either attend OCIA or our Religious Education program depending on specific circumstances.
When do you meet?
OCIA typically takes place on Sundays from 10:00-11:30am. Plan to arrive and attend the 10:00am Mass, leaving after the first part of Mass to go to class. If you have scheduling issues or special circumstances, please let us know and we will work with you. Our OCIA program adapted for children typically meets Monday evenings.
Do I need to know anything else?
We encourage you to find a Catholic in your life who is willing to walk with you on this journey and attend classes with you to support you along the way. If you don't know anyone, let us know and we would be happy to introduce you to someone to connect with.
Contact Information
St. Mary's Rectory
Phone Number: 402-291-1350
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
