OCIA

Whether you are just beginning your faith journey or have been walking with Jesus for years, we are so excited to journey through the Order of Christian Initiation with you!

WHAT IS OCIA?

OCIA is the process by which non-Catholic adults or inactive Catholics brought into full communion with the Church through receiving the three Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

WHO IS OCIA FOR?

OCIA is for any non-Catholic (Christian or not) who is interested in becoming Catholic. It is also for any Catholic who has not received First Communion and Confirmation.

FIRST STEP - MEET WITH JOE

In order to begin the OCIA Process, please set up an initial meeting with Joe Tremblay, Coordinator of Adult Formation, so he can get to know your story and explain our process to you. Please also fill out the OCIA Inquiry Form before your initial meeting.

Contact Joe

OCIA Inquiry Form

SECOND STEP - ATTEND OCIA MEETINGS

After you meet with Joe, you are more than welcome to begin meeting with the group at the start of our next rotation. Scheduled meetings are held each Monday from 7:00-9:00PM in the Parish Center. Please see below for an outline of the meeting process.

THIRD STEP - DISCERN ENTERING THE CHURCH

Throughout the course of the OCIA sessions, which usually last about a year, you will have many opportunities to discern whether you want to enter the Catholic Church. If you discern to become Catholic and have completed preparation, you will be initiated into the Church at the next available date!

FOURTH STEP - ENTER THE CHURCH!

After completing the preparation and discernment process, you will have the opportunity to enter in full communion with Catholic Church shortly afterwards! We will continue to meet in a group setting after you enter the Church to celebrate, grow in faith, and to help you to live out your faith beyond OCIA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is RCIA?

A: A process to introduce the teachings of the Catholic Church to individuals who wish to learn more about Catholicism including the opportunity to become a member of the Catholic Church.

Q: How do I sign up for RCIA?

A: To sign up, contact Jacob Hubbard at 817-421-1387 ext. 4055 or . You can also leave your contact information with the parish office and Jacob will contact you.

Q: When and where are the RCIA sessions held?

A: The RCIA sessions are held each Monday night in the parish center from 7:00 PM to approximately 9:00 PM.

Q: What is the format of the sessions?

A: The sessions typically begin with food and hospitality, followed by prayer, teaching, questions and answers, and small group discussion.

Q: What is the cost for attending RCIA?

A: Good Shepherd Catholic Community provides all that is needed. There is no cost to you to attend RCIA.

Q: May I bring my spouse/fiancé to the sessions?

A: Yes. We strongly encourage your spouse/fiancé to attend the sessions with you.

Q: If I have been baptized in another church, do I need to be baptized again?

A: In most cases, you do NOT need to be baptized again. The Catholic Church requires that you were baptized with water, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We will request a copy of your baptismal certificate or other proof of baptism from the church where you were baptized. Proof of baptism may include a church letter, a membership record indicating that you were baptized, etc.

Q: I was told I need a sponsor who is a baptized and confirmed Catholic and is in good standing in the Catholic Church and who will attend the sessions with me. What if I don’t know anyone who could do that?

A: Don’t worry. We have people who volunteer to fulfill the sponsor role. They will attend the sessions with you.

Q: Can a Catholic attend to learn more about their faith?

A: Yes, all are invited.

Joe tremblay
Coordinator of Adult Formation

QUESTIONS? CONTACT:

817-442-4052