Becoming Catholic

There are many reasons that people enter the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) process.  It makes no difference whether you have been raised in another denomination, have no church affiliation or experience, have simply strayed from the faith for the last 20 years and would like to come back to complete the Sacraments of Initiation, or just want to refresh your knowledge of the Catholic faith.

Whatever the case, you are welcome here, and quite frankly, we praise God for your presence! As we build community through our OCIA sessions, it becomes clear that we all have had our times of doubt, fear, and frustration. We are here to journey together, to learn about the faith, to live the faith and celebrate our initiation into the Catholic faith.  

The Order of Christian Initiation is a time to come together and examine our lives in the light of the Gospel and embrace a fuller discipleship of the Lord Jesus Christ! You are among friends and fellow parishioners. St. Bartholomew's is your temporary home until the day when we all join together in our eternal home.

The OCIA process is for:
•    Adults interested in learning what it means to be a Catholic
•    Adults interested in becoming members of the Catholic community
•    Baptized Catholics who would like to be Confirmed and/or receive the Sacrament of Eucharist
•    Those who want to refresh their knowledge of the Catholic faith

Over the course of this journey, you will:
•    Study and reflect upon the teachings of Scriptures
•    Proclaim the Word of God
•    Learn about the rich heritage and traditions of the Church
•    Become familiar with forms of personal and liturgical prayer
•    Meet members of the parish community and witness their daily living of their faith

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults has five phases. 
There is no set length of time for the OCIA process. It depends on each individual’s journey in faith.
 

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 Testimonies of those who have gone through our OCIA program are below:

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Amanda Fischer
“My experience in OCIA has been transformative.  Not only am I more knowledgeable about my faith, but I have grown spiritually. My relationship with God has definitely changed since beginning OCIA.  I now pray, talk to God, and think about Him and his plan for me throughout my entire day. Also, my prayer life is flourishing.  I enjoy reading scripture and looking to scripture for guidance.  I also enjoy praying to God and the Blessed Mother Mary on a daily basis.  My prayer life has proved very powerful as I have seen God take incredible (even unexplainable) action in my life. 

Deborah Diaz
“The OCIA has presented a lot of information and ideas that I knew nothing about. Practicing fasting in Lent, for the first time this year, has shown me how difficult some things are. I’ve realized that saying you’re 'Catholic' doesn't make you 'Catholic'; you actually have to practice it as well. I am open to what RCIA and the Catholic teachings present and am incorporating them into my everyday life.” 

Katherine Chinn
“When I began the OCIA program, I knew of God, but I did not know God. Through OCIA and learning about God’s love, I am developing a closer relationship to Him and with my faith. For me, my OCIA experience has been my first step toward a life with God.  It is helping me build a foundation for my faith and has created a stronger bond with God.”