OCIA (Formerly RCIA)

 A Journey of Faith!

From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.  1229 Catechism of the Catholic Church

To search, to belong, to mature, to be nourished, to continue growing, to love and be loved: these and others are fundamental stirrings of the human heart. Our lives are lived in a manner of seeking satisfaction of these very deep hungers throughout the journey of life. 

The Catholic Church has a process called the Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA - formerly RCIA). OCIA is not an instructional program—it is a process of conversion created by the Church to welcome those who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith and in turn may want to become Catholic.  Christian Initiation of Adults | USCCB

As you discern God’s call for you as an individual, you will experience rituals of commitment and the Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist), which will begin for you a new life of love, faith, and justice lived in communion with Catholics throughout the world! The OCIA process is an extended period during which you will be given pastoral and spiritual formation and guidance for living the Catholic faith in the world.

OCIA is for the following persons:

• Anyone interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic
• Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith

This would include:

• Someone who has never been baptized.
• Someone who has been baptized in another faith tradition, but who has an interest in the Catholic faith.
• A person who has been baptized a Catholic, but has not received all of their initiation      sacraments (Holy Communion and/or the sacrament of Confirmation)

The class meets weekly on Sundays from September through May between masses in the Family Life Center.

HOW TO GET STARTED:

You will begin with an inquiry session one-on-one to provide you with more specific information pertaining to the OCIA process. This is a good time to share where your faith life has taken you and what brought you to this point. Any questions you may have will be addressed at this time. 

We enthusiastically welcome you to join us on this spiritual journey.  Fill out the   OCIA Inquiry form and you will be contacted to set up an inquiry session. If you have questions, Contact Brenda Lites at either (318)746-2508 or Brenda.lites@stjudebossier.org