The process by which someone becomes Catholic is called "The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults" (OCIA)
OCIA is about a relationship. Think of it as dating the Catholic Church.

The first stage is called "inquiry" and its title is self explanatory. It is a stage where anyone can come and ask questions of the Church and learn about the basics without any commitment. Once someone discerns that they would like to take a step in seriously discerning the Catholic Church, they move on to the next stage.

The goal of the journey is to give a total, free, faithful, and fruitful "yes!" to enter into a lifelong relationship with Jesus and His Catholic Church. Therefore, it is important that the candidate and the Church get to know each other. What does the Catholic Church believe? How does the Catholic Church worship? How do members of the Catholic Church live? OCIA is a process of learning and pondering these aspects of the Catholic Church. The OCIA journey is divided into four periods (Inquiry, Catechumenate, Purification & Enlightenment, and Mystagogy) that respect the individual's journey of faith. If the individual discerns at the end of each period that he wants to move forward, he is received into the Catholic Church on the night before Easter in a liturgy of great celebration!

Anyone who is not yet fully Catholic!

1. Catechumens: people who have never been baptized
2. Candidates: Christians who were baptized into another denomination (OR)
3. Candidates: Catholics who were baptized Catholic but are in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation

Anyone who wants a refresher on their Catholic faith!
Many cradle Catholics “know” their faith. They learned it when they were children, and can remember the lesson, but many don’t know the “why” behind it. OCIA is a great opportunity to hear the basics again, but as an adult... To think and understand as an adult and bring life experience into connecting to our Catholic faith in a new and deeper way.

Short answer: typically a 9 month journey of weekly classes, Sunday Mass, and a retreat!

Longer answer: It depends! If you are new to the Christian faith, this year-long journey will lead you through everything you need to know to fall in love with Jesus Christ and give a full "yes!" to Him in the Catholic Church. If you are a devout Christian who has developed a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, you may only need a few months of instruction on Catholic doctrine to be ready to say a full "yes!" to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. Our OCIA coordinator will be happy to sit down over a cup of coffee and discern alongside you what is the best path for you.

All that is needed is a sincere desire to grow in relationship with Jesus and learn more about him and his Church. Becoming Catholic is not about perfection. There is no test at the end of class!

Once someone has decided that they would like to seriously discern joining the Church, attendance is expected at all Catechumenate events:

1) Weekly classes on Saturday mornings at 10:00 AM. We understand if someone is traveling or sick and needs to miss class occasionally!

2) Mass attendance is expected at the Saturday evening Vigil at 4:30 or one of the Sunday Masses at 8:00 or 10:00 AM.

3) Catechumens and Candidates need a sponsor. A sponsor is a practicing Catholic, preferably a member of Sacred Heart, and will be willing to walk this journey with you. They should not be spouse or fiance, but significant others are certainly invited to come along with you! If you are not sure about a sponsor, there are many people in the parish who will generously accompany you.

4) Parish & Diocesan Events
There are several formal steps along the way. The first is the Rite of Acceptance, here at Sacred Heart. It occurs on the first Sunday of Advent. By this time, you have been coming to classes for several months. Those who are ready to make a commitment will formally acknowledge that at Mass and the community will formally accept you as a catechumen. During Lent, the Diocese will host the Rite of Election. This is celebrated by the Bishop and is a recognition of your intent to become full and active members of the Catholic Church. You will sign the Book of the Elect at the 10:00 Sunday Mass here at the parish and then all of the Catechumens from the Diocese will gather with their sponsors, instructors, and pastors to pray and celebrate together. The Bishop will sign the Book, ratifying your decision to become one of his flock. We will also ask that prior to the Easter Vigil, you attend a retreat. The Diocese has a special retreat just for Catechumens, but there are other options if there is a conflict.

5) Each member of OCIA is encouraged to spend some time each week in prayer and to prepare for the following week. There is no homework but recommended readings and videos will be given every week for deeper reflection. As with anything in life, your experience will be a direct result of how much you invest your heart and time into it. Ask questions, share observations, and get ready for a wonderful journey!

There is no monetary cost involved. Just bring an open heart!

No, you are not obliged to enter the Catholic Church if you attend OCIA classes. Anyone seeking information about the Catholic faith is welcome to visit. At each stage of the RCIA journey, you will sit down with a member of our RCIA team to discern where God is leading and if you are ready to take the next step towards becoming Catholic. We wish only to encourage you to develop your relationship with God in a deeper and more meaningful way.