IS GOD CALLING YOU TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?!

Have you thought about becoming Catholic?! Maybe you're someone who has attended Mass for years? Maybe you have heard a teaching or have witnessed the praying of the rosary, seen a crucifix, or have heard about the Saints and are curious what these things mean? Do you have a desire to receive the Eucharist or Holy Communion which draws you to consider becoming Catholic?!  If so, you are in the right place!!

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."

CLASS INFORMATION

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

OCIA SCHEDULE
Schedule will be published soon & attached below.

TRADITIONAL STAGES OF OCIA

1. Inquiry Period
2. Rite of Acceptance
3. Catechumenate
4. Rite of Sending
5. Rite of Elect
6. Scrutinites
7. Initiation
8. Mystagogy

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: Please fill out the attached form below and return to the office at your earliest convenience. Registration Deadline: before the beginning of class. Please give us time to review your information and to contact you.
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. GODPARENT SPONSOR 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.