How Do I Become Catholic?

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) as a process in which participants "undergo…conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments…The OCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."
Likewise, the language used in the OCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs. Catechumens are those people who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Candidates are people who have been baptized in a Christian tradition but are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation.

Who is OICA for?

• Those who are unbaptized who are seeking baptism.
• Those who are validly baptized in the Christian Faith who are seeking the sacraments of 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation (full initiation into the church).
• Those who are baptized Catholic who are seeking reception of 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation (full initiation).‍
• Those who are baptized and have received the sacraments of 1st Holy Communion who are just seeking reception of the sacrament of Confirmation.

How do I begin? What's the process?

1. Apply online by filling out a sacraments request form BELOW!
2. Our church office will contact you when we receive the form to set up a time to interview.
3. Applicants will interview with Deacon Mark Berard to complete required forms and determine the overall needs of the applicant. 
4. Applicants will meet with Father Todd Lloyd to approve the applicant for candidacy for full initiation and assess overall readiness to determine the proper preparation program that best fits the candidates needs. 
   
   1. Note on Assessing Readiness: Ultimately the Pastor has complete discretion at assessing who is ready to receive the sacraments however candidates for full reception into the church can expect two complete semesters of formation before their initiation Mass. 
5. Candidates will select a person of faith as their sponsor to accompany them through this initiation process (See sponsor requirements below). 
6. Our Christian Initiation For Adults program runs weekly on Wednesday nights in the fall and in the spring. Candidates and their chosen sponsors are required to attend these preparation sessions.
7. The Order of Christian Initiation Adapted for Children will run on Sunday mornings in the fall and spring. You may click here to be redirected to our OCIC page if you have a child between 3rd and 10th grade.
8. In addition to the preparation sessions there are mandatory rites and scrutinies that the initiation process requires from the candidates. These occur on Sundays during the 9:45am mass. 
9. Once a candidate has completed their necessary preparation, they will be brought into the church on either the Easter Weekend Masses (March or April) or on the Feast of Christ the King (November). 

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25-26 OCIA Registration Form

CLICK HERE to register for the 2025-2026 Order of Christian Initiation for Adults Program

2025-2026 OCIA Schedule

CLICK HERE to access the OCIA Schedule (Coming Soon)

What documents do I need to receive a Sacrament in the church?

• Baptismal Certificate (only if already baptized)
• Sponsor Form (provided by church)
• If married, candidates need to provide proof of valid marriage recognized by the Church (if applicable). 

What are the requirements to be a Sponsor?

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be a fully initiated Roman Catholic (must have received the sacraments of Baptism,
• Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist)
• Be a registered and active member of a Catholic parish for at least 3 months
• If married, have received the sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Church
• Attend Mass and receive Communion weekly & celebrate the Sacrament of
• Reconciliation at least once a year
• Lead a life of faith in keeping with the role to be taken on
• Not be the parent of the candidate
• Not be a non-Catholic, former Catholic, or Catholic married outside the Church