St. Alphonsus Catholic Church

Becoming Catholic

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

Thinking about becoming Catholic or simply want to learn more about the Catholic Faith?

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church warmly welcomes you as you continue on your Faith Journey!

What is OCIA?

It is a process that invites interested persons to consider the Catholic faith. The process is a journey that includes study, exploration, faith sharing and discernment. Participants learn about the Catholic Church's beliefs, life, liturgy, and apostolic work. The goal is to come to know God in a new light and to foster a deeper relationship with Jesus The timeline for this process can be different for each participant based on personal need and religious experience. It generally consists of a series of weekly/biweekly gatherings culminating with the celebration of the Easter Vigil and beyond.

Who is OCIA for?

• People who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith
• People who have never been baptized
• People who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition and are now interested in becoming Catholic.
• People who were baptized as a Catholic, but who have had no other religious formation and now wish to complete their sacraments of initiation (Confirmation and first Eucharist)

What is the OCIA Process?

The OCIA process has four distinct stages or phases. It is designed to help individuals build a strong foundation in the basics that will serve them as they continue to build an ever closer relationship with Jesus.

Phase I Inquiry: Just Looking – This is a period for individuals to ask questions, explore their own faith and to focus on Jesus and His message. It is designed to help participants make an informed initial decision about whether to continue on to the next step in the process.

Phase II Catechumenate: Learning About the Faith – This phase of OCIA is for those who discern that they are ready to move toward a more serious commitment. It begins with a special ritual at Mass followed by gatherings that focus more specifically on the basics of the Catholic faith. It includes reflections on scripture, discussions about the Sacraments, the Mass and many other doctrinal beliefs and practices of Catholicism. Participants are referred to as Catechumens or Candidates and will be accompanied by a sponsor who will walk the journey with them, support them and pray for them.

Phase III Purification and Enlightenment: Preparing for Rebirth – This phase coincides with Lent and is an intense period of spiritual preparation. It continues through the Easter Celebration. Participants are presented to the Bishop as those with the intention to fully participate in the Catholic faith. All are called to deeper reflection and conversion in preparation for their Easter renewal and rebirth.

Phase IV Mystagogy: Reflecting on the Mysteries – This is the beginning of the lifelong process of transformation, of building an ever closer relationship with Jesus. It is particularly a time for reflecting on the Easter experience, on any sacraments received and especially on the Eucharist, the “source and summit’ of Christian life in the Catholic Church.

What Else Should I know?

• The entire community of St. Alphonsus will support those in the OCIA on their journey of faith through prayers and by example.
• Each person in the process will have a sponsor who will walk with them along the way. Sponsors minister to participants by sharing their own faith, their hopes for the participant and the love they have for Christ as they deal with everyday life.
• Each phase of the OCIA is marked by beautiful rites/rituals at key points in the journey towards conversion and true discipleship in Christ.

How do I Sign Up or Get More Info?

There are two simple ways that you can receive information about or register for the OCIA program here at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church"

• Fill out our information form by clicking Here

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• Call the Parish Office at 763-561-5100

We are eager to hear from you and to get to know you!