Becoming Catholic – OCIA
Do you have questions about what it means to be Catholic? Maybe you have been a Christian in another Christian tradition. Maybe you have no formal Christian background. Perhaps you were baptized as a baby in the Catholic Church or in another Christian denomination but that is the extent of your Christian formation.
Welcome to our OCIA course! OCIA—the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults—will help you learn more about the Catholic faith as you prepare to become Catholic and enter the Church. It’s Catholicism 101. Each Tuesday night we will hear a presentation about a certain topic important to the faith. It’s a great place to learn more and find answers to questions that you may have! Hors d’oeuvres will be served, so don’t miss out!
All nights begin at 7 pm.
Interested? Email us at info@bulldogCatholic.org for next steps or more information.
Beginning in October, our OCIA classes take place at 📍 The Newman House (421 W St. Marie Street).
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| October 7 | Intro to OCIA | God, Creation, Sin |
| October 14 | Man’s Response |
| October 21 | The Trinity |
| October 28 | Mary |
| November 4 | The Four Last Things |
| November 11 | Purgatory |
| November 18 | Intro to the Sacraments & Baptism & Confirmation? |
| November 25 | The Eucharist |
| December 2 | Teaching Mass |
| January 20 | Sacraments of Healing |
| January 27 | Q & A |
| February 3 | Marriage & Holy Orders |
| February 7 | Theology of the Body Workshop |
| February 10 | Intro to the Moral Life |
| February 17 | Life in Christ – Night 1 |
| February 22 | Rite of Elect |
| February 24 | Life in Christ – Night 2 |
| March 3 | Life in Christ – Night 3 |
| March 8 | TBD |
| March 15 | TBD |
| March 17 | Life in Christ – Night 4 |
| March 24 | Life in Christ – Night 5 |
| March 29 | TBD |
| March 31 | Holy Week |
| April 7 | TBD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is OCIA for?
- Those who are not baptized and want to become Catholic
- Those who are baptized in another Christian tradition and want to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church
- Baptized Catholics who have not yet received Confirmation or Eucharist
- Anyone who wants to learn more about Catholicism, even if they’re not sure about becoming Catholic
Q: How long does OCIA last?
The course runs from October 7, through Easter, with weekly 90-minute sessions. The process culminates in the Easter Vigil.
Q: Do I have to commit to becoming Catholic to join?
No! You’re welcome to attend, ask questions, and discern at your own pace. There’s no pressure to make a decision.
Q: What if I can’t make it to every class?
While we want to see you at class every week, we know that life sometimes prevents that from happening. We ask that you just communicate with the OCIA team ahead of time so we can work with you and walk alongside you in the process of entering the Church.
Q: Is there a cost to attend?
Nope. It’s completely free. All materials are provided.
Q: Do I need paperwork?
Not right away! If you are joining us to learn more – no paperwork required! If you are joining OCIA to become Catholic – we will need the following:
- OCIA Inquiry Form:
We will distribute this form at OCIA. Once our OCIA team has received it, we will schedule a meeting with the OCIA team. - Baptismal Record: If you have been baptized in another Christian denomination, we will need a copy of your baptismal record dated within the 6 months leading up to reception into the Church.
- Marriage Certificate: If you are married outside the Church, you will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate.
We will help you navigate all of the necessary documentation as you prepare for the OCIA process.
Blessings from Father Mike
That Post-Sacramental Glow
Learning the Faith
Delve into church teaching with your peers!
Sacrament Prep
Tuesday nights are for friends and sacrament prep.
Prayer Time
"Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
