When: Tuesdays at 7PM
Where: Icon Room (lower level of the Parish)

MEETING NOW!

Many people begin OCIA before we hear from them.  God calls us in many different ways as seeds are planted throughout our lives by different people and different experiences. These seeds of faith take root and grow over time.  Whatever your relationship with Jesus Christ is now, OCIA invites you to go deeper with it.

OCIA offers many avenues for deepening your relationship with Jesus and learning more about the Catholic Church:

• through hearing the Gospel proclaimed and reflecting and praying with God’s Word
• through an ever-growing desire to know Jesus personally
• through study and discussion about the Catholic Faith
• through doubts and hesitation
• through asking questions
• through service and acts of mercy and justice
• through becoming involved in the community
• through attending Mass and worshipping
• through times of quiet reflection and prayer
• We hope these opportunities and more give you the tools you need to deepen your relationship with Jesus and the community and to consider whether or not you are willing to say yes to being a disciple of Jesus.

Conversion is a gradual process.

    The OCIA as formation, gradually opens one to the inner transformation of the soul to the grace of a loving God. Each week you will be invited to go deeper into the beauty and awe of our Faith.  We help each person make an informed decision.  We will share what the Catholic Church teaches, what that means for your life, and how to pray and discern were God is calling you.   

OCIA is a Journey

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:

Pre-Catechumenate or "Inquiry"
This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. This is the time that is spent looking into whether or not you want to give your life to Christ and live this out in the context of the  the Catholic Church. This is a time of discernment for you and when you are ready to accept God into your life and choose to follow him, you proceed to the Rite of Initiation and become a Catechumenate if you are not Baptized or a Candidate if you are already baptized in another Christian faith. 

Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming
The first Rite in the OCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshiping community. Often done at Mass, you publicly accept the Gospel of Christ and profess your desire to live according to Christ's teachings and the parish community accepts you into their community. It is at this point that you can expect help and support from Mother Church. Liturgically, this means you have a right to all the blessings, exorcisms, anointings, and other minor rites celebrated within the Catholic Church. 

Catechumenate
 The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
  As part of the Catechumenate, you will not be able to celebrate in the Mass fully until the Easter Vigil, and so you and some of your teachers will be dismissed after the Liturgy of the Word which ends after the Homily. You will take time to reflect on the scriptures of that day and begin to learn to hear God's voice in your life even more strongly. 

Rite of Election
  Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.

Sacraments of Initiation
  At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the OCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Mystagogy
  This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.

How long does it take?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is not a program with a definitive beginning and end.  Some people will need more time than others to prepare for the lifetime commitment that comes with membership in the Catholic Church. 

The process of spiritual awakening/renewal and catechesis is not to be done hastily. It is best that the catechumen/candidate experience the yearly calendar of Catholic practice at least one time around in order to make an informed decision.

A person may inquire at any time. The process is ongoing.

Anyone who is seriously considering becoming a Catholic or who would simply like more information can contact:

[email protected]
317-842-6778 x240

People who are interested in becoming Catholic can contact Angela to get more information.  Once you have filled out the form below, she will reach out to you.  You can also look at the brochure and schedule in the link below.

For those who are interested in being involved in the OCIA or would like more information, please fill out the information below.

Classes will begin September 10, 2024.