Sacraments
Sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church are religious ceremonies or acts of the Christian Church that are regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace. They include the rites of baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders and marriage.
Become A Catholic
Are you interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith, or do you know someone who is contemplating becoming Catholic?
Then… consider the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA – formerly RCIA).
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a journey toward becoming a full, participating member of the Catholic Church. This modern order was restored in the late 1970s, in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, but is based on the ancient “order of catechumens,” which dates to the earliest years of the church’s history.
OCIA is a faith formation process designed primarily for adults who have not been baptized in any faith and are intentionally seeking God in their lives. Additionally, it is for those baptized in other faiths, as well as baptized Catholics who never completed their sacraments of initiation, specifically confirmation and Eucharist.
Those who seek God as an adult have an opportunity to foster a closer relationship with him. OCIA helps people develop that relationship and discover great spiritual growth. Instructors teaching fullness of the faith and relating it to holy Scriptures serve as guides. Individuals are aided by personal sponsors and a community of individuals with the shared interest of seeking out and coming to know God more closely.
The OCIA program guides the catechumen or candidate through four periods of development and three rites. Each rite marks the transition from one period to the next.
If you would like more information about the OCIA process, please contact the parish office: 724-845-8191.