Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. –Matthew 28: 19-20
The above scripture passage from Matthew’s gospel is known as “The Great Commission.” It is here that we see Jesus send His disciples into the world with instruction to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Today, the Catholic Church continues to carry out this “Great Commission” in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
OCIA is a journey of prayer, reflection and catechesis (instruction) focusing on what Catholics believe. This journey encompasses the entire process from inquiring about Christianity to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil Mass. This process, while structured, is different for everyone depending on where each individual person is on their faith journey.
If you are interested in learning more about Catholicism or the OCIA program at St. Francis de Sales Parish, please contact our OCIA Coordinator, Michael Kimble at 330-606-8376 or by email at becomingcatholic@stfparish.com.
What happens in Becoming Catholic?
- Initial Conversation
Whether you have been praying about becoming Catholic for years or are just starting to consider it, the first step is to reach out to the OCIA Coordinator, Michael Kimble at 330-606-8376 or becomingcatholic@stfparish.com. This initial conversation is an opportunity to share your story and find out what the process of becoming Catholic would look like for you. - Stage of Inquiry
The next part of the process is called “inquiry” because it is a time to ask questions about the Catholic faith and reflect on one’s journey with God. Those in this stage will be invited to attend weekly inquiry sessions with the Becoming Catholic team that will include prayer, presentations about what Catholics believe, and time for questions and discussion. Inquirers have no obligation to become Catholic. If and when inquirers who have not been baptized are ready, they participate in a ceremony called the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome. This rite marks the beginning of the Catechumenate stage. The path forward for those who have already been baptized is different and unique to each person’s circumstances. - Catechumenate
Those in the Catechumenate are called “catechumens” which means in Ancient Greek “those being instructed.” This stage is a time to learn the specific teachings of the Catholic Church while continuing to grow in personal faith and prayer. Catechumens will meet for weekly instruction sessions and attend Mass with the rest of the parish community on Sundays. After the homily, the catechumens and Becoming Catholic team members will be dismissed and gather to pray and reflect together on the Word of God read at the Mass. This is an opportunity for them to listen to God’s voice in the Scriptures and review their lives in the light of the Gospel. Catechumens choose or are matched with sponsors to accompany them. Sponsors are faithful, practicing Catholics who walk with those preparing to receive the sacraments by praying for them, guiding them, and offering a good example. - Stage of Purification and Enlightenment
At the start of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, catechumens who are ready to move forward will enter the next stage by participating in the Rite of Election. This ceremony is celebrated with the bishop and all other catechumens in the Diocese of Cleveland. After this rite, the catechumens are called the “elect” because they have been chosen by God and approved by the bishop to receive the sacraments. In the season of Lent, the whole Church joins the elect in deepening their commitment to prayer, sacrifice, and service in preparation for the new life they will begin as fully initiated members of the Church. As St. Paul wrote, “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, the new have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In this stage, catechumens let go of old things – sins, bad habits, doubts, fears – and prepare for the new things Christ has prepared for them. - Reception of the Sacraments
Those who are called and prepared to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil which is celebrated on the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday. This night is the high point of the Church’s entire year when the glory of the Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection is recalled and the Church’s newest members are born from the waters of Baptism. - Mystagogy
The reception of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil is the first step of a new, life-long journey. Mystagogy – which means “being led through the mysteries” – is the stage after full reception into the Church when new Catholics or “neophytes” are guided through the beginning stages of their life as Catholics. It is an opportunity to meditate on the mysterious and beautiful things God has done for them and settle into life in the Christian community. This involves meetings for prayer, discussion, and further learning as well as chances to connect with parish ministries. This period typically lasts until the feast of Pentecost which is celebrated 50 days after Easter.
