Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
Are you interested in the Catholic faith? Do you want to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church? Are you looking to become Catholic or convert from another faith?
Welcome! This page is for you.
OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, (formerly known as RCIA) is the process through which adults explore and, if they choose, eventually become Catholic, whether through Baptism or being received into full communion with the Church. Through OCIA you will learn the fundamental beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith and what it means to become a Catholic. You will have an opportunity to ask questions in a non-pressured environment alongside others who are on the same journey and, God-willing, be received into the Church together. This video does a good job of explaining OCIA.
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) Step by Step:
Step I. Inquiry or Pre-Catechumenate
This is the first step to becoming Catholic: a period of searching and inquiry. This may be your first time learning about the Catholic faith or your first time delving more deeply into the faith.
If you are interested in learning more, to help you in your discernment, contact Joan Sheppard by email or using the contact form below with questions or to sign up for OCIA.
Step II. The Catechumenate
The Catechumenate consists of weekly gatherings for those who have made the decision to continue learning about the Catholic faith.
During the Catechumenate, we attend the 10:30am Sunday Mass as a group and are sent out together after the homily to “Break Open” the Word of God. These Sunday sessions conclude by the end of Mass. In addition, we meet weekly on Wednesday nights for an informal session, touching on a variety of topics related to the Catholic faith and our life as disciples of Jesus Christ. Each candidate works towards full initiation in the Catholic Church in their own time frame and will celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and/or Confirmation when they are ready.
Step III. Receiving the Sacraments and celebrating the first year as a fully initiated Catholic.
We offer gatherings and opportunities for you to process the beginning of your life as a Catholic, and to get involved more fully in the life of our parish.
Adult Confirmation
For those who are already baptized Catholic, but never received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist, Good Shepherd offers a 10-week session of small group meetings to prepare for these Sacraments. Contact Joan Sheppard with any questions or to sign up for the upcoming session.
Resources for Discernment
If you’re not sure where to start exploring the Catholic faith on your own, here are some good places to start:
- Join us for Mass! Mass is an integral part of our faith as it includes the celebration and reception of the Eucharist. At every Mass, bread and wine is transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – the Eucharist, the “source and summit of the Christian life.” While only Catholics can receive the Eucharist, anyone is welcome to come to Mass. Our daily and Sunday Mass times can be found here.
- Read the Bible, the Word of God. If you don’t own a copy, click here for an online version. You will also hear readings from the Bible at every Mass.
- Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism is a treasury of the teachings of the Catholic faith. An online version can be found here.
- Pray! God is calling you and wants to walk with you. Our church is open everyday from 6am – 8pm and you are welcome to come pray here. If you would like to start learning Catholic prayers, download our free Good Shepherd app which features many different prayers.
Contact Joan Sheppard by email or use the contact form below.
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