Becoming Catholic

Interested in learning more about the Catholic faith? Not sure where to begin? Here is a quick and easy overview of the process of becoming Catholic

God always invites people into a deeper relationship – sometimes in ordinary ways and sometimes in extraordinary ways. You may be experiencing the first urge to know about the Catholic faith, or you may have been reflecting on this for some time.  Regardless of what has brought you to this page, it is our sincere hope that you take the time to learn more about the Christian initiation process of becoming a Catholic. It is known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

At St. Catherine, OCIA typically meets at the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturdays in the Church and on Saturday evenings at 7:00pm.

For more information, call Debbie Graleski at the Parish Office (904) 264-0577 or email her here.

To register for OCIA, please click here.



What is the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process in which anyone over the age of reason (7/8) or older is welcomed into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

“The order of Christian initiation is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens the heart” (OCIA 1).

  • This process is designed for adults… therefore, we adopt an adult learning model.
  • Youth process is designed for those who are over the age of reason (7/8).
  • You are here because you have hopefully already received a calling from God.
  • This is a time for you to make your response to God’s invitation.
  • The Holy Spirit is essential to this process.  Always be open to the Holy Spirit.

“The OCIA aims at bringing the catechumens conversion and faith to maturity, in response to God’s call and in union with the Church” (CCC 1248).

  • We will work together to form an adult faith – a faith not based on superstition or fear, but knowledge and understanding of the faith.
  • We work to sustain that faith within the Church, following the teachings and tradition of the Church.

Who are the different candidates in OCIA?

  • Group 1: People who are not baptized:  This group prepared to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.  We usually refer to this group as catechumens.
  • Group 2: Non-Catholic Christians: This group prepares to make a profession of faith and receive Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.  We usually refer to this group as candidates for the profession of faith.
  • Group 3: Catholics:  This group is for Catholics who have not had any formal instruction in the faith.  This group prepares to receive Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.   We usually refer to this group as candidates for full communion.

Who are the guides in OCIA?

  • Sponsor: one who assists the catechumen or candidate in preparing for the sacraments.
  • Godparent: one who presents the catechumen or candidate for the sacraments and forms a permanent bond with the newly initiated.  A sponsor and godparent could be the same person.
  • Core Team: a group of individuals who each assist 3-4 catechumens or candidates, with their sponsors in their preparation process.

What is the focus of the OCIA?

  • Learning: The acquisition of doctrine found in our catholic faith.
  • Living: The development of an apprenticeship relationship with Christ, parish, sponsors, and fellow candidates.
  • Liturgy: The use of prayer and ritual to allow the Holy Spirit to open our hearts.
  • Evangelization: The active spread of the Gospel in word and action.

What is our “road map”?

  • The key beliefs of the Catholic Church found in the creed.
  • The meaning of Scripture within the context of the tradition of the Church.
  • The purpose and meaning of the Sacraments of the Church.
  • The formation of an active prayer life.
  • An understanding of the Church’s social and moral teachings.

What does the “road” look like?

For the unbaptized:

For the baptized:

What we will do…

  • Be prepared and organized for each meeting and activity.
  • Be supportive and respectful of you in your conversion process and to help you along your way.
  • Be available to answer questions and concerns you may have.
  • Pray for you as you continue along your journey of faith.

What you should do…

  • Be open to the OCIA process.
  • Attend meetings and events.
  • Keep a journal of feelings, emotions, and questions.
  • Pray for guidance and strength.