OCIA - Becoming Catholic

The Catholic Church, founded by Jesus Christ, continues to serve millions of peoples by helping them answer life's most important questions and be leading them to the fullness of happiness. 

To become Catholic, a person goes through a process called the OCIA...the "Order of Christian Initiation of Adults." During OCIA adults are introduced gradually into the beliefs, worship and life of the Christian. Each participant has a fully initiated Catholic sponsor to walk him/her through this process.

You are invited to find out about Jesus Christ, the Church He founded and meaning that only He can provide. It is always a joyous occasion when a person falls in love with Jesus and chooses to learn more about becoming Catholic.

Inquiry Sessions
Inquiry Sessions are for those interested in learning, without any pressure or commitment, about Jesus Christ and the teachings of His Church. Inquiry is for adults who:

• Want to know the basics about Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church
• Have never been baptized
• Have been baptized but have not been Confirmed in the Catholic Church
• Have been baptized but have not received First Communion in the Catholic Church

Teaching the Catholic Faith
Following Inquiry is a period of formal instruction known as 'catechesis.' This formation helps a person establish roots in his/her faith in Christ and to learn how the faith is lived in daily life. This part of the process walks participants through the key events of Scripture and shows how the teachings of the Catholic Church flow from the Bible. This formation is specifically for those preparing for the sacraments of either Baptism, Confirmation and/or Holy Communion.

Prayer
Beginning Ash Wednesday and lasting throughout Lent, participants prepare to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and/or Holy Communion by going through a six-week period of prayer, fasting and turning away from sin. This is the stage of 'Purification and Enlightenment." This period culmiates with the Easter Vigil, the Mass celebrated the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. During this Mass, participants receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

Post-Baptismal Sessions
The period of formation after Easter is known as 'Mystagogia,' during which the participant reflects on the graces received in Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. It is a time to look at how Christ calls us to a life of service and stewardship.

I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

Rooted in the ancient customs of the first Christians, OCIA is a formation process in which adults begin to experience what it means to be Catholic.

The goal is to nurture a free, intelligent and complete response to the living Word of God, entailing formation in liturgy (worship of God), catechesis (knowledge about the faith) and discipleship (living the model of Jesus Christ in daily life). The conversion of the heart and mind is nurtured by the universal Church, the parish, the family and the sponsor.

Conversion and initiation is a spiritual journey. This pilgrimage of the heart takes place through distinct stages over a period of time to bring about a deeper commitment to Christ, a thorough understanding of the Catholic faith, a firm commitment to the liturgical and moral responsibilities of a fully Christian life and an experience of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish community.

The candidate's journey is facilitated through the use of Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained  It is a systematic presentation of our Catholic Faith. It leads candidates through the "big picture" of the Catholic Faith and our Creed is the guide. Symbolon brings together some of the most trusted Catholic teachers in the world to guide you through the breadth and richness of the Catholic faith.

• Do you know of someone interested in becoming a Catholic?    
• Do you know a baptized Catholic who needs to receive the Sacraments of First  Holy Communion and or Confirmation?  
• As a Catholic, are you interested in deepening your faith?   

Interested in learning more about the Catholic faith? Call Rob Weierman, Director of Religious Education at 520-577-8780, extension 124.

Parishioner engagement is key. Remember Jesus’ parting words to His disciples:

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
 Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
 commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.
Mt. 28:19-20

Becoming an OCIA Sponsor is essentially an active St. Thomas the Apostle ministry for which parishioners may volunteer. Anyone interested in becoming one of a viable database of potential sponsors who can be "matched" to prospective OCIA. candidates after we receive an OCIA registration form, simply click the button below and complete the online form.

Building relationships between sponsors and candidates will strengthen and deepen the process for both parties.  

Consider this opportunity prayerfully.

2024 - 2025 OCIA SPONSOR FORM