Have you ever wondered what Catholics believe, why we worship the way we do, or what it means to become Catholic?

Come to Our First Gathering

Sunday, September 13 at 2:00 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in the Classroom
Our first gathering is simply an opportunity to meet us, ask questions, and learn more about the Catholic faith and the OCIA process. You are welcome to attend even if you are unsure whether OCIA is right for you.

Questions are welcome. No commitment is necessary.

Exploring Catholicism

Maybe you have been thinking about the Catholic Church for a while. Maybe someone you love is Catholic. Maybe you were baptized Catholic but never received all of the Sacraments. Or maybe you simply have questions. Wherever you are beginning, you are welcome.

Exploring Catholicism is a place to ask questions, learn about the Catholic faith, meet others who are exploring, and prayerfully consider where God may be leading you. There is no commitment required to attend.

Does one of these sound like you?

• I would like to learn more about the Catholic faith.
• I have been thinking about becoming Catholic.
• I have never been baptized and am interested in learning more about Christianity.
• I was baptized in another Christian tradition and am interested in becoming Catholic.
• I was baptized Catholic but never received First Communion and/or Confirmation.
• Someone close to me is Catholic, and I would simply like to understand the faith better.

If any of these resonate with you, we invite you to come and see at OCIA.

What is OCIA?

OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process through which adults explore the Catholic faith and, for those who feel called to continue, prepare to become full members of the Catholic Church. OCIA is more than a class. It is a journey of learning, prayer, conversation, community, and discernment.

Together, participants explore topics such as:

• Who is Jesus Christ?
• What do Catholics believe?
• How do Catholics read Scripture?
• What happens at Mass?
• Why are the Sacraments important?
• What is prayer?
• What does it mean to live as a Catholic?

Questions are always welcome, and you do not need to know anything about Catholicism before attending.

What does the OCIA process look like?

Everyone comes with a different background and story, so the journey may look a little different for each person.

Inquiry and Exploration
This is simply a time to ask questions and learn more about the Catholic faith. There is no expectation that you have already decided to become Catholic.

Learning and Growing
Those who choose to continue spend more time exploring Scripture, Catholic teaching, prayer, the Sacraments, and life in the Church.

Prayer and Discernment
As the journey continues, participants are invited to deepen their relationship with Christ and prayerfully discern whether God is calling them to enter the Catholic Church.

Receiving the Sacraments
Depending on a person's background, participants may prepare to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and/or the Eucharist. For many adults entering the Church, these Sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

Continuing the Journey
Receiving the Sacraments is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a deeper life of faith, prayer, service, and participation in the Catholic community. Because every person's faith and sacramental history is different, Fr. Joel and the OCIA team will help each participant understand what the journey looks like for them.

For more information, please contact Fr. Joel at 712-323-1484, or send him an email. 

You Might Be Wondering...

Do I have to decide to become Catholic before coming?
No. OCIA begins with exploration. You are welcome to attend, listen, ask questions, and take time to discern.

What if I have never been baptized?
You are welcome. OCIA provides preparation for adults who wish to receive Baptism and enter the Catholic Church.

What if I was baptized in another Christian church?
You are welcome, too. Your previous Baptism may be recognized by the Catholic Church, and the OCIA team can help you understand what your path would look like.

What if I was baptized Catholic but never received First Communion or Confirmation?
OCIA may be an appropriate way to prepare for the Sacraments you have not yet received.

What if my spouse or family is Catholic, but I am not?
You are welcome to attend simply to learn more. There is no expectation that attending means you have decided to become Catholic.

What if I haven't been to church in years?
You are still welcome. You do not need to have everything figured out before walking through the door.

How long does OCIA take?
There is not one identical timeline for everyone. The process is based on each person's background, readiness, and faith journey.