Becoming Catholic at St. Anthony of Padua
The process of becoming a member of the Catholic Church is officially known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or “OCIA.” This program is intended for unbaptized adults or those baptized in another faith who wish to become Catholic. OCIA is also for Catholic adults who want to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Communion.
The OCIA process begins each fall and continues with participants becoming full members of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. This timeframe consists of five unique stages:
Stage One: Inquire
Becoming Catholic starts with filling out an inquiry form about the OCIA process to express a desire to join the Catholic Church. Fill out the short online form here!
Stage Two: Join us at the kickoff meeting
The next stage is the OCIA Kickoff where those interested can learn about the Catholic faith and then decide if they want to continue on and be welcomed into the Church at the Rite of Acceptance. The kickoff will be held here at St. Anthony of Padua Church on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 7 PM in Meeting Room C.
Stage Three: Catechumenate
The third stage is the Catechumenate, where participants begin to attend Mass as a group. At this stage, those who are unbaptized become known as “Catechumens” and those who are baptized become known as “Candidates.” Then, on the first Sunday of Lent, they are presented before the Bishop at the Rite of Election and Enrollment.
Stage Four: Purification and Enlightenment
Following the Rite of Election and Enrollment, the participants enter the stage of purification and enlightenment. It is at this time that they begin to prepare for receiving the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil and their Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.
Stage Five: Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit
The final step is called Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit. At this stage, the Neophytes (newly baptized) and the Candidates become active members of the parish and the Sacramental life of the Church.
We have an excellent team of catechists to assist with the spiritual formation and preparation process. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic, please contact Theresa Tuttle using the contact information below.
Contact:
Theresa Tuttle, Director of Religious Education & Faith Formation
ttuttle@saparish.com | (616) 453-8229, ext. 103