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It's how adults become Catholic.
New members enter the Catholic faith through a process of education, faith sharing, and rituals known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA.) This includes several stages of conversion marked by prayer, study, discussion, and discernment.
OCIA is the process for adults who...
A gradual process.
The OCIA is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful. The process includes reflection on a your individual faith journey and is structured to allow time for your questions about the Christian faith and the Catholic way of life. It is a spiritual journey, marked by celebrations (called "rites") during Mass and witnessed by the faith community. These rites mark the your progress as you reach points of your deepening faith on the way to full initiation into the Catholic Church. For most people, the process involves a commitment from the Fall through the next Spring with the Easter season concluding on Pentecost Sunday. While the OCIA is a process centered on experiencing God in the community, we also work to meet individual needs. If at any time, a your are not ready to take the next step, that decision is respected. If you are currently married civilly, common-law, or by another Christian minister, couples will likely celebrate the sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Catholic Church prior to Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Eucharist. If this applies to you (or if you are unsure if this applies to you), make an appointment with a priest or a deacon before you begin OCIA sessions.
Fill out an inquiry form.
Begin by completing an Inquiry form and turning it into the Faith Formation director in a sealed envelope or in person. Inquiry forms are online, in the parish office, and in the church narthex near the main bulletin board.
OCIA sessions meet on Sundays starting with the new school year each Fall. We worship at the 9am Mass together each Sunday. Twice a month, we stay after Mass for coffee/donuts and faith sharing in the parish center, 10:30am-12:30pm. These sessions focus on how Catholics know and live their faith. They are led by members of the community of St. Agnes, including priests, deacons, professional lay ministers, and catechists. Sponsors and family members are welcome to all OCIA events.
The Easter Vigil—the most solemn celebration of the year—is ordinarily when the Church receives its new members through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This year the Easter Vigil is Saturday night, 3/30/2024. We continue to meet through Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024
OCIA meets twice a month after 9am Sunday Mass beginning Sept. 17, 2023, starting with coffee/donuts in the parish center 10:30-12:30 pm.
Fax: 239-354-4462