OCIA in the Cluster

Considering Becoming Catholic?

How does one come to know the Catholic faith and, if so called, enter into full communion with the Church?  The process is known as OCIA -- the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.  This process is modeled upon the manner in which the early Church welcomed new members in the first centuries of Christianity.

OCIA begins with regularly scheduled gatherings that include both instruction and discussion.  The process is not solely academic; rather it is a time of spiritual formation marked by prayer, reflection, and sharing of faith within a community.

Those who participate may include individuals who have never been baptized, those baptized in other Christian traditions, and practicing Catholics who serve as sponsors.  Sponsors accompany participants throughout the process, offering guidance, encouragement, and witness to the Catholic faith.

Participation in OCIA carries no obligation.  Individuals are invited to explore the teachings of the Church at their own pace.  Each participant discerns, in due time, whether he or she is prepared to enter the Church.  This discernment typically becomes more focused around the season of Christmas.

During the season of Lent, those preparing to enter the Church take part in several liturgical rites celebrated within the parish community.  In addition, a diocesan rite is celebrated with the bishop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  This celebration highlights the reality that entry into the Catholic Church is not only into a local parish, but into a wider Church.  The local Church, known as a diocese, unites parishes throughout a particular region -- for us, Southwest Kansas.

Those who wish to learn more about OCIA or who are interested in participating are encouraged to contact Curtis Wolf, OCIA Coordinator or the parish office for further information.