IS GOD CALLING YOU TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?!
Have you thought about becoming Catholic?! Maybe you have attended Mass for years? Maybe you want to understand a certain teaching; pondered Mary, the Mother of Jesus & witnessed the praying of the rosary; seen a crucifix, have questions about the Saints and are curious what these things mean? Do you have a desire to receive the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion which draws you to consider becoming Catholic?!  If so, you are in the right place!!

WHAT IS OCIA?
As titled above, OCIA means Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is the traditional process in which non-Catholics are initiated into the Catholic Church. During the OCIA year, the parish prepares you by encouraging candidates to have a prayer life, attend Mass, class and retreats. At Saint Joseph, class begins in September and typically ends in May. However it varies depending on when Easter is celebrated in the year.

GOD'S GOODNESS
This beautiful paragraph from the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that, "God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life."

Notice that God reaches out to each of us first, calling us to seek and know him, giving us the freedom to choose and follow him. When we think about God, it is the Lord prompting our thoughts. When we have a desire or thought to pray, it's the Lord drawing us to prayer. Apart from him, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). If God is the source of all creation, and we come from God who is all good, then it follows that the fullness of our happiness is drawing ourselves close and uniting ourselves to Him.

Don't be afraid to follow the Lord!! My faith journey has gone through many hills and valleys. Following the Lord is what gives me the most peace and joy in life.

CLASS INFORMATION

WHEN: BEGINS September 11, 2024
WHERE: Parish Hall
DAY: Scheduled Wednesdays 
TIME: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

OCIA SCHEDULE
Schedule is attached below.

OCIA PROGRAM AT SAINT JOSEPH
Our program begins the Wednesday after Labor Day in September & ends in May. We use the Journey of Faith curriculum. Currently we have a three person team that teaches the faith.

OCIA EXPECTATIONS
 

1. GO TO MASS!! This is most important! Even though you are not a Catholic yet, begin living as if you are and form the habit of going to Mass every Sunday. The Mass is the greatest prayer of God! Again, attend Mass & be in community with other Catholics.
2. PRAYER: Form a prayer life. 
3. ATTEND CLASS: If you miss more than 3, you will have to make-up class. This also includes reading the materials provided & completing assignments.
4. ATTEND RETREATS: Fall & Spring (refer to schedule).
5. GODPARENT/SPONSOR: Each catechumen or candidate must choose a godparent or sponsor. Sponsors must be in good standing with the Church; at least 16 years of age; and have received all of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation; they cannot be the candidate's parents; must be actively involved in the process; a good model for the living of the life of a faithful Catholic who is continually nourishing his/her own faith through active participation. Godparents & Sponsors are invited to attend class with their candidate.
6. ATTEND EASTER VIGIL: This is the day that you become initiated into the Church. Our Pastor, FATHER GUS emphasizes that you must be available to attend the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 20th 2025. 

1. OCIA INTAKE FORM: Email [email protected] to request an intake form. You will be contacted soon.
2.  PARISH REGISTRATION FORM: To attend OCIA class, you must be a registered parishioner of the parish.
3.  BIRTH CERTIFICATE: For those who are not baptized, please bring your birth certificate to the parish office so that we can make a copy.
4.  SACRAMENTAL RECORD: If you are a baptized Catholic, please provide a copy of your sacramental record from the parish that you were baptized. If you were baptized outside of the Catholic Church, please note this on your intake form and we will further discuss what is required (don't worry).
5. SPONSOR ELIGIBILITY FORM: The form is attached below and must be signed by the sponsors pastor who attests that the person is a practicing Catholic & in good standing.

DON'T BE AFRAID!!
If you feel called to become Catholic, or you just want to inquire about the Catholic Faith and what the process looks like, please contact me. I look forward to walking this journey with you.

In Christ through Mary,

Brandon Allen 
Director of Faith Formation & Discipleship
Saint Joseph, Colorado Springs

719-632-9903 or [email protected]