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RCIA - Becoming Catholic

Interested in Becoming Catholic? 

Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church, the Church that was founded by Jesus Christ 2000 year ago? Consider signing up for our OCIA program (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) . If you are interested in learning about the Catholic Faith and becoming Catholic, contact Ellen Waverly (209) 223-2970 or email familylife@amadorcatholic.com.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or OCIA is the way that the Catholic Church helps people prepare for life as an adult Catholic.

 

  • Do you have questions about the Catholic Faith and are not Catholic?

  • Are you a Christian who wants to learn more about Catholicism?

  • Has God been calling you to consider Catholic Christian faith?

  • Are you an adult Catholic who has never received First Holy Communion?

 

If you answer yes to any of these questions please join us. When you begin the process there is no obligation on your part. The first meetings are called inquiry and they are a chance for you to ask questions, receive the good news of Catholic Christian life and open the way for spiritual growth. Later on in the process you will be asked to participate in the Rite of Acceptance, for those who are ready may enter into a deeper relationship with 

the Church and begin their formal preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation within the Catechumenate. In the days leading up to the celebration of Easter the members of the Catechumenate enter into a period of intense preparation. Those who will be received into the Church are immersed in the Church’s prayers and love to prepare for fruitful reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion).

 

Please Note: You do not need to have decided to become Catholic to begin the first part of OCIA called Inquiry classes!

 

The OCIA is the process that prepares and initiates people into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. The OCIA is the modern form of the “catechumenate” of the early days of the Church. Becoming Christian in the first five centuries involved a sharp break with the surrounding Roman culture. New Catholic Christians entered into a way of living which demanded deep commitment and often risked their lives to become Christian. In the modern world, our faith also demands deep commitment — our beliefs and the beliefs of our society are often in tension.

 

Who is OCIA for?


1. Persons in need of baptism
2. Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic
3. Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and Confirmation

How long is the OCIA process?

The time varies and is dependent on each individual, but is rarely shorter than six months or longer than three years. The Church greatly respects the time each person needs for conversion and decision.

 

What do you learn in OCIA?
 

We cover a number of topics on the Catholic faith, from the very basics to moral and social situations. Participants will learn about Jesus Christ and why we follow him. This is a great opportunity to come ask questions and learn in a comfortable, friendly setting. The OCIA team represents a diverse group of Catholic faithful who are honored to share their love of the faith.

 

When do we meet

Contact Ellen Waverly at familylife@amadorcatholic.com or call the Parish Office at (209) 223-2970 for current and future session dates.

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