ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC?

Are you interested in becoming a Catholic or thinking of becoming one? If so, then OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) may be for you. The first step in the OCIA process is called Inquiry. Inquiry sessions are a chance for you to come and ask questions about the Catholic faith and what the OCIA involves. There is no commitment necessary and no pressure if you attend. If you are interested or know someone else who is, please contact the church or email bpetrovich@smapgh.org The Inquiry phase begins in early September.

“The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come, and you will see.’” (John 1:37-39)

The Catholic faith begins with a choice to follow Jesus Christ within the Catholic Church. Some people are first drawn to the Church through the good example or ‘something beautiful’ we witness in a family member, friend, or coworker. Others begin from a commitment to justice for the poor and needy. While one person may be attracted by the beauty of Catholic worship, another could discover the beauty of Catholic doctrine without having yet set foot in a church. Whatever may have sparked your interest in Catholicism, we invite you to learn more with us, not only through the resources we share on this web page but more importantly, in person with our parish community.

HOW DO I BECOME CATHOLIC?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process given by the Church for the formation of adults in the faith. OCIA is an opportunity for you to share your faith journey with others, to learn about the Catholic faith, and to experience the life of the Church community. Beginning a time of prayer and study through the OCIA is not a commitment to join the Roman Catholic Church, although this is the process through which persons who eventually discern the call to do so will be initiated into the Catholic faith. Jesus gently invites each of us, saying to those who are searching, “Come, and you will see.” We want to welcome you to travel with us and encourage you to bring us your questions and hopes.

Becoming Catholic consists of four periods of formation which are marked by rituals that celebrate what has been completed and call a person into the next phase.

• Inquiry: The Inquiry sessions are a chance for you to share your questions and your faith journey with others in a safe and welcoming environment, and to discern what it is that God is calling you to in your life. In this way we can also share with you our faith in Jesus Christ, and our community, values, and worship. We are here to answer your questions, share our faith, and walk with you during this phase of your journey.

 

• The Catechumenate: The Catechumenate marks the longest period of the process of becoming Catholic. Guided by a deeper reflection on the scriptures proclaimed each Sunday, the catechumenate fosters a deeper awareness of God’s presence in our lives and heightens involvement in the worship life of the community.

 

• Purification and Enlightenment: Coinciding with the liturgical season of Lent, those preparing for the sacraments of initiation participate with the entire community in purifying and enlightening themselves through prayer and reconciliation in preparation for Easter.

 

• Mystagogy: a time of deeper understanding of the Paschal Mystery, the death and resurrection of Christ. The distinctive spirit and power of the period of mystagogy derive from the new, personal experience of the sacraments and of the community. Like a honeymoon, this period marks and celebrates the beginning of a new life together with the Church. It continues the meditation on the Gospel, participation in the life of the Church, and the discipleship begun in the Catechumenate.

IS OCIA FOR ME?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults seeks to prepare and form in faith three types of adults for full initiation into the Roman Catholic Church:
1) those who have never been baptized
2) those who have been baptized but not catechized as Catholics.
3) those who have been baptized in another Christian Faith

What about children?  This rite is for any individual over age 7 who has reached what the Church refers to as the "age of reason". The preparation process is adapted for children to meet their individual needs.

For more information, please contact:

Bethann Petrovich
Faith Formation Coordinator
bpetrovich@smapgh.org
412-561-0199

 

FOR THOSE WHO WERE NEVER BAPTIZED:

Prior to beginning the OCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, considers his or her relationship with Jesus Christ and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Pre-catechumenate. For some, this process involves a long period of searching; for others, a shorter time. Often, contact with people of faith and a personal faith experience lead people to inquire about the Catholic Church. After a conversation with a priest, or OCIA coordinator, the person, known as an “inquirer,” may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, through the Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, the inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a “catechumen.”
The duration period of the catechumenate depends on how the person is growing in faith, what questions they encounter along the way, and how God leads them on this journey. During this time, the catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God’s inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means. When a catechumen and the priest and the parish team working with him or her believes the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election. Even before the catechumens are baptized, they have a special relationship to the Church.

The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all those seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the cathedral church. The catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called “the elect.”
The days of Lent are the final period of purification and enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the catechumen receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

After the person is initiated, formation and education continue in the period of the post baptismal catechesis, which is called “mystagogy.” This period continues until Pentecost. During the period the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church’s mission and outreach activities.

FOR THOSE WHO WERE BAPTIZED IN OTHER CHRISTIAN FAITHS:

What is meant when people refer to men and women coming into “full communion with the Church”?

Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for men and women who are baptized Christians, but not Roman Catholics. These individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the people, who are called “candidates,” usually participate in a formation program to help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. The preparation may be alongside catechumens preparing for baptism.

OCIA AT THE EASTER VIGIL:

Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands of men and women are received into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new members through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at a liturgy bringing men and women into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Congratulations and Welcome to our newest members!