welcome home!
If you desire truth, beauty, peace and joy, you’ve come to the right place. We invite you to learn more about becoming Catholic.
What is OCIA (formerly RCIA)?
Becoming a Catholic means that you are choosing a lifelong journey of following Christ and embracing a life of faith in the Catholic Church. In order to prepare for this journey, the Catholic Church asks all inquirers to participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). OCIA is a time devoted to prayer and study of the Catholic Faith after which you will become a member of the Catholic Church by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism [if needed], Confirmation, and Eucharist). It is a journey that involves intellectual learning, spiritual growth and conversion. Come and see!
Contact
Lance pikaart
719-597-4249 ext 108 or lpikaart@holyapostlescc.org
OCIA for Children/Families
Christian Initiation for Children/Youth (also called Family OCIA) is a process that follows the Initiation of Adults, but the preparation is tailored for children and youth who are at least 7 years and up to 17 years who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Faith.
Contact
Peggy Armstrong
719-484-8726 or parmstrong@holyapostlescc.org
Who Is OCIA For?
Anyone interested in Catholicism
Anyone who has not been baptized
Anyone who was baptized in another denomination
Those who were baptized Catholic but never received First Eucharist or Confirmation
Anyone who has been away from the Church but wants to come home
Catholics who want to learn more about their faith
What Does Preparing to Become Catholic Look Like?
The preparation to receive the Sacraments of Initiation takes place in a weekly class from September to May with the reception of the Sacraments taking place at Easter. The weekly class is only one part of the preparation process. There are four “stages” to the OCIA process that focus on different aspects of the Christian life which are explored in class and also at Sunday Mass through special liturgical rites.
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This is a time devoted to hearing the Gospel message and to studying some basic teachings of the Catholic Church. It is also a time where you can ask any questions you may have about the Catholic Faith. It ends with the Rite of Entering into the Catechumenate for those who are not yet Baptized; and the Rite of Welcome for those already baptized (Catholic or in another Christian Denomination). Those who are already baptized become Candidates for Full Communion with the Catholic Church.
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In this stage you spend time in focused study on all of the teachings of the Catholic Church. There is also an increased focus on the prayer, liturgical, and communal life of a Catholic. This stage ends with the Rite of Election (unbaptized) or Rite of Call for Continuing Conversion (baptized).
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This stage usually coincides with Lent (40 days before Easter). This period is a time of more intense spiritual preparation through interior reflection and penance. It is also a time that focuses on enlightening the mind and heart with a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ our Savior. This is done through the celebration of liturgical rites called the Scrutinies and presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father).
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Once you receive the Sacraments of Initiation you are officially a neophyte (new convert). The Mystagogy stage is a time dedicated to deepening your understanding of the sacraments you just received. It also a time of continuing Christian formation and getting incorporated into the life of the Christian community.
More Resources
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a comprehensive resource that explains the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Coming Home Network is a network of support established by converts and reverts for others who are or may be on the journey to the Catholic Church.
Word on Fire Catholic Ministries exists to draw people into the body of Christ, which is the Church, and thereby give them access to all the gifts that Jesus wants his people to enjoy.