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Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
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He is Waiting for You
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Becoming a Catholic is a joyous experience!Some receive this gift while they are infants, while others come into the Catholic community later in life. If you are an individual who has not yet been baptized, or if you have been baptized but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation, and you are looking to deepen your faith, we're so glad you're here! We invite you to learn more about the process through which we welcome or reconnect you with the Catholic Church. The journey is guided by members of our parish community, but is ultimately a personal journey in which you will grow in your identity as a Catholic.
To learn more about how Lumen Christi can be part of your faith journey, please contact Meaghan Turner at [email protected] for more information.
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Where to Start
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- One of the best ways is to speak to one of our parish priests or Director of Catholic Formation, Meaghan Turner, who are happy to listen and help you determine your next step. Please remember that Sunday is a very busy time. Make an appointment with a priest so that he can focus on you!
Attend Mass. Our family of faith is warm and welcoming – and the Mass is the source & summit of our faith! - Pray. Ask God to guide you in your journey.
- Read Scripture. Consider signing up for a daily reflection
- Explore the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the official summary of our faith.
Explore a variety of resources available to answer questions or that share the stories of other’s faith experiences.
The journey to becoming Catholic is one of invitation and initiation. Throughout the journey, you are encouraged to prayerfully discern if God is calling you to continue. The process is called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) (formerly known as RCIA). In OCIA, you will learn about the teachings of Jesus as the Catholic Church has handed them on and also have the opportunity to participate in the life of the parish through service and prayer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Initiation?
- If you have not been baptized, Christian initiation prepares you to become a Catholic Christian through the sacraments of baptism, Holy Communion and confirmation.
- If you have been baptized in another Christian church, initiation prepares you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church be celebrating the sacraments of Holy Communion and confirmation
- If you have not been baptized, Christian initiation prepares you to become a Catholic Christian through the sacraments of baptism, Holy Communion and confirmation.
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How long is the process?OCIA preparation usually lasts for several months up to a year, depending on the readiness of those entering the Church. OCIA candidates for all three sacraments of initiation will typically celebrate the sacraments during the Easter Vigil liturgy on Holy Saturday.
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What if it is not for me?Seeking information about the Catholic faith will not commit or oblige you to become Catholic. It is not a process of indoctrination. We encourage you to learn about the faith and about Jesus Christ at your own pace, so that you can freely make your own choice. While we love the Catholic faith and hope that you will also come to love it our desire is for you to experience the love of Christ. We are here to serve you and look forward to getting to know you and to discover what God has planned for you!
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Catholics Returning HomeIf you are an inactive Catholic, one that has celebrated all the sacraments of initiation, and would like to return to active participation in a parish, or have questions about the Catholic faith that are keeping you from active participation, please speak with one of our priests or pastoral team members. You can also find wonderful information at Catholics Come Home.
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2025 Becoming Catholic Candidates
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Recently during the Easter Vigil, three preteens were received into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, & Confirmation. In addition, three adults came into full communion as they received the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
Congratulations to all our OCIA Candidates this year!
Click here to learn about the faith journeys of our three preteens that was featured in the Catholic Herald!
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For more information, contact us!
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Meaghan Turnerturnermlumenchristiparish.orgDirector of Catholic Formation
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