OCIA


BECOMING CATHOLIC

Would you like to learn more about the Catholic Church? Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic?


Perhaps you’re not familiar with Catholicism and just have questions. Or you may have been Catholic all your life and feel that you need to refresh basic knowledge of Catholic practices and traditions. Regardless of your motivation, the OCIA process just might be your answer.


General Information

We are looking forward to another year of our popular OCIA program, consisting of college students and adults of all ages. The start of OCIA this year is Monday, August 10th.


OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process of discernment and conversion, providing individuals the opportunity and space to encounter God and respond to His invitation to a new way of life in the Catholic Church.

Who is OCIA for?


  1. Individuals who have never been baptized and wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist (Holy Communion) in the Catholic Church.
  2. Individuals who were baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation.
  3. Baptized Catholics who have not completed their initiation by receiving the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation.
  4. Those who are interested in learning more about what the Catholic faith truly teaches (both non-Catholics and Catholics alike).


The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is designed for those who desire a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, as well as for individuals seeking to enter full communion with the Catholic Church. Through engaging presentations and meaningful discussions, participants are introduced to the foundations of Catholic belief, theology, and moral teaching, and are guided in their journey of faith towards the one, true Church.


For more information, contact Emily Knoppe at cre@htscatholic.com


INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN OCIA SPONSOR?

Please click the button at the bottom of this page and fill out the form. You can also contact Emily Knoppe at cre@htscatholic.com for more information on being a Sponsor.


What Does a Sponsor Do?

The sponsor is not merely a ceremonial figure, it is a living witness. Drawing from the broader tradition of sponsorship in the sacraments, a sponsor is called to:


  • Be a convinced, enthusiastic Catholic who lives a life of faith, committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of a sponsor, praying regularly for and with the candidate and showing them how to pray by example.
  • Help the candidate understand how to bear witness to Christ in the world and to fulfill their baptismal promises faithfully through the Holy Spirit.
  • A lifelong commitment of spiritual companionship and mentorship with their candidate or catechumen.
  • Come to OCIA with their candidate or catechumen for the majority of classes to ensure that they are learning and growing alongside each other.


Who Can Be a Sponsor?


Sponsor must:

  • Be a fully initiated Catholic — the sponsor must be a Catholic who has been Confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist.
  • Be at least 16 years old — the sponsor must have completed the sixteenth year, unless a different age has been established by the diocesan bishop or it seems to the pastor or minister that an exception is to be made for a just cause.
  • Live a life in harmony with the faith — This means practicing the faith actively and adhering to the authority of the Church.
  • The sponsor must not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared.
  • The mother or father of the candidate cannot serve as sponsors. This applies regardless of the age of the person being initiated.


Please sign up to be a sponsor below!

OCIA Sponsor Form