OCIA or Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

This is a one or two year journey to explore more about the teachings of Jesus Christ with the ultimate goal being to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.  This faith formation program designed for people who want to walk deeper into faith in Christ Jesus.  Baptized and Non-Baptized, people from all faith backgrounds, fallen-away Catholics or Catholics who have not completed their Sacraments of Initiation are welcome to join the OCIA faith formation process.  OCIA is the pathway for adult entry into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church through the reception or completion of the Sacrament of Initiation.  This program has a "come and stay as long as you like" feel at the beginning but the journey to completion requires a commitment of time and faith.  OCIA is a 1 or 2 year program based on where you are in your faith commitment and Sacramental reception.  When you enter the OCIA formation process you are either a Candidate or a Catechumen.  As a  Candidate or Catechumen you will have a Sponsor that helps you in your OCIA journey each step of the way.

Candidates

A candidate is someone who has been previously baptized in another Christian faith. At the Easter Vigil, candidates will not be baptized since Baptism marks us with an indelible character. In other words, we may be baptized only once. Instead, candidates make a profession of faith, are confirmed, and receive the Eucharist.

Catechumans

Catechumens are those individuals who have never been officially initiated into a church community prior to their entrance into the Catholic Church. At the Easter Vigil, catechumens celebrate all three Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Another way we state this is to say that catechumens are seeking full communion with the Church.

Sponsor

Sponsors are those men and women who are already in full communion with the Catholic Faith who will "walk with you" or "sponsor" you in your journey through the OCIA formation.   A sponsor's role is varied according to the needs of his or her Candidate/Catechumen but will mainly focus on Prayer, Witnessing, Mentoring, and Walking with you for the entire journey and beyond.  You are welcome to invite any person to act as your sponsor provided they are in full communion with the Church are are fully practicing their Catholic Faith.  If you do not know of anyone you can invite we will be more than happy to help you find a suitable sponsor for your journey.

Commitments to Consider for Candidates, Catechumens, and Sponsors

The OCIA program is a one or two year process depending on where you and/or your spouse are in your journey in faith to Jesus Christ.  To complete this journey through OCIA will take commitments of time, prayer, service, personal formation.  Some of the commitments to consider before enrolling in OCIA:

Holy Mass - You will be asked to attend Holy Mass weekly at St. Phillip's parish from September through April.  The Mass is the highest form of worship Our Lord has given to His people.  It is from the Mass that the Eucharist comes, which is the source and summit of our entire lives.

Classroom Instruction - You will be asked to attend classroom teachings each Thursday from September through May. This class time will help form and teach you about the teachings of Christ, His bride the Church and provide a base of knowledge to grow from in your faith.  Classes are held each Thursday evening from 6:00 pm until 8:15 pm.  A meal and childcare are provided free of charge.

Weekly Homework Assignments - You will be asked to complete weekly assignments to help you learn and understand Catholic teachings, the Mass, the Sacraments and more.

Service Projects - You will be asked to participate in service projects that are designed to increase your faith and serve your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Retreat - You will be asked to participate fully in the OCIA retreat.  This retreat will be in the Spring.