OCIA - Becoming Catholic

NEW GROUP BEGINS SEPTEMBER 2026

Thinking about becoming Catholic or just want to learn about Catholicism? The Catholic Church warmly welcomes you on this journey of exploration and discernment!

WHAT IS OCIA?

OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. This collaborative process of study, exploration, faith sharing, and faith formation is the first step in being fully initiated into the Catholic Church. During this process participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.
At the Great Vigil of Easter, candidates receive the Sacraments of Initiation–Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation–receiving the full gifts of the Holy Spirit and becoming full members of the Catholic Church.

WHEN DO SESSIONS MEET?

Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 pm (September to April) in the parish center basement.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You’ll explore Catholic beliefs, history, and the beauty of our rituals. Some topics will include:
–Scripture and the Sacraments
–God, Son and Holy Spirit
–Church history and the papacy
–Heaven and hell
–Mary and the saints
–The problem of evil; sin and reconciliation
–Conscience, moral decision making, justice

WHO JOINS OCIA?

People interested in learning about Catholicism.
People who have never been baptized.
People who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition and are now interested in the Catholic tradition.
People who were baptized in the Catholic tradition, but were not raised practicing Catholicism, and are seeking the sacrament of Confirmation.

2026-27 OCIA TEAM LEADER

Fr. Peter Etzel, SJ is the associate pastor at Saint Thomas More. Fr. Peter has been a Jesuit for 43 years, and has served in a variety of pastoral ministries and cultures. He approaches ministry and the OCIA process with an open ear and a kind heart.

FR. PETER'S BIO

ABOUT THE OCIA PROCESS

Period of Inquiry, or Pre-catechumenate

Inquirers are invited to deepen their understanding of how God has been active in their lives, and begin to learn what the Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God.

Rites of Acceptance and Welcome (mid-November)

Inquirers are recognized by the Church as genuinely seeking greater instruction and formation. Dismissals begin, where OCIA participants depart Sunday Mass after the homily to go study the Word of God together.

Period of the Catechumenate

The catechumens (non-baptized) and candidates (baptized) reflect more deeply on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His Church, and their personal journeys of faith.

Rite of Election (Mid-February)

The catechumens are welcomed by the bishop and declared “elect” in the sight of the Church—as legitimately seeking baptism. Candidates are also blessed by the bishop.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment (Lent)

Those elected for Baptism together with the candidates deepen their prayer and examine their lives more closely as they prepare to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation–Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Rites of Initiation (Easter)

The elect and candidates profess their faith and receive their Sacraments of Initiation at the Great Vigil of Easter, welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Period of Mystagogy

The newly initiated persons reflect further on the mystery of the Easter Sacraments and become more integrated into the community of the Church as faith-filled and active disciples of the Lord.

WHAT IF I'M STILL HESITANT?

Feel free to email Fr. Peter to discuss your particular concern or situation. There will be no obligation or pressure and your confidentiality will be respected. OCIA is a process that encourages discernment. We will respect the conscience and decision of every inquirer if they decide not to continue the process at any point.

APPLY HERE!

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OCIA - Becoming Catholic