BECOMING CATHOLIC / OCIA
About OCIA
Whether you're just curious, wanting a few answers about the Catholic Faith, or ready to dive in and become Catholic, OCIA (formerly called the RCIA) is right for you. These sessions are the perfect opportunity to learn about the Catholic Faith either for the first time, or the 100th time. We welcome anyone who wants to deepen their understanding, and come to embrace the Church's teachings regarding the Mass, Creed, Sacraments, Ten Commandments, and Prayer..Join us for the journey, it helps to travel together!
Classes (2024-2025)
Click on the bolded subjects to learn more, and click the “class assignments” link to prepare for each session
Note: You only need to attend one of the “Introduction” sessions before we begin on September 29
September 15: INTRODUCTION
September 22: INTRODUCTION
September 29: Meet and Greet
October 6: Walk Through Mass: Video and Discussion
October 13: We Long for God, and God Comes to Meet Us (Assignments 1&2)
October 20: Proclaim the Gospel and the Obedience of Faith (Assignments 3&4)
October 27: I Believe, and In the Beginning (Assignments 5&6)
November 3: The Good News and The Saving Death and Resurrection of Christ (Assignments 7&8)
November 10: Receive the Holy Spirit (Assignment 9)
November 17 Mary (Assignment 12)
November 24: Tour of the Church (Windows)
December 8: The Church and The 4 Marks of the Church (Assignments 10&11)
December 15: Our Eternal Destiny (Assignment 13)
January 5: Paschal Mystery (Assignment 14)
January 12:(RITE OF ACCEPTANCE) Baptism, and Confirmation (Assignments 15&16)
January 19: Eucharist (Assignment 17)
January 26: Confession, and Anointing (Assignments 18&19)
February 2: Holy Orders, and Marriage (Assignments 20&21)
February 9: Life in Christ (Pt.1) (Assignment 23)
February 16:: Life in Christ (Pt. 2) (Assignment 24)
February 23: (Commandments 1, 2, 3 (Assignments 25,26,27)
March 2: (RITE OF SENDING) Commandment 5 (Assignment 29)
March 8: (RITE OF ELECTION) TBA
March 9: Commandments 4 & 8 (Assignments 28&32)
March 16: Commandments 6&9 (Assignments 30&33)
March 23: Commandments 7 & 10 (Assignments 31&34)
March 30: Foundations of Prayer (Assignment 35)
April 6: Our Father, Sacramentals and Devotions (Assignments 36&22)
Retreat TBA
April 13: Discernment and Prayer
April 17: Chrism Mass: Lansing Cathedral, Holy Thursday Mass
April 18: Good Friday
April 19: Easter Vigil
OCIA: An Invitation of Join the Church and to Go Deeper
Every year the Catholic Church welcomes thousands of new members through a process known as OCIA. The letters stand for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, and through the OCIA, interested men, women and children come to know the presence of God in their lives. The OCIA process allows us as a parish community to welcome new “family members” into our community. During the weeks of instruction and preparation that are part of the OCIA process, the parish family supports their entry into the Church, prays for them, and helps them understand Catholic prayer, worship, beliefs and activities.
In the OCIA process, we are always interested in new inquiries. If you or someone you know would like to become a Catholic, or if you were baptized Catholic but have never celebrated Eucharist or Confirmation, contact Emily Arthur by filling out the form below. We will be happy to have you as part of our OCIA process.
Who are we?
Catholics are disciples of Jesus Christ and we seek to follow the path that He has marked for us, which calls on us to love God and each other.
The choice to follow Jesus is not always easy. Much of what we believe is counter-cultural and calls each one of us into a special relationship with God. By choosing to follow Jesus, we choose to live our lives in a particular way – His way. We are guided by Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church, and our pilgrimage is made easier since we walk together in faith.
Why Join the Catholic Church?
If you are asking the question, perhaps God is leading you to an answer.
We believe you will find the fullness of Christianity in the teaching of the Catholic Church. Acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal savior may not provide an immediate answer to all your problems, but as a Christian you will experience a joy that can be found in no other way.
Only you can truly answer the question about joining our Church. Jesus invites us to follow Him. The Catholic Church invites you to come and see the way we live our Christian call. Join us, watch us, and observe our worship service, preaching, sacraments, teaching, and simple day-to-day living.
How can you Become a Member?
You can seek membership in the Catholic Church through a process known as OCIA – the “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.” The OCIA offers you the opportunity to learn how a relationship with God can change your life. It is an opportunity to see what the Catholic Church believes and how we live our faith. Many people have preconceived ideas about the Catholic Church. In the OCIA process, we will study the Scriptures, discuss Catholic teaching, and most importantly, get a true, good and honest idea about what the Catholic Church is really all about.
What if you Change Your Mind?
That’s always your choice. Each of us chooses the path that he or she will walk in this life. By coming to an OCIA meeting, you’re not making a commitment to join the Church. This is a time to explore and have your questions answered.
Along the way, you will decide if the Catholic Church is to become your home. Through the OCIA process, thousands of people in Michigan join the Catholic Church each year.
When do sessions meet?
Sundays, September 15 until April 13 at 12:15p.m.
What do you do now?
Searching for truth is perhaps the most important thing we can do in our lives. If you have questions, or are interested in finding out about the OCIA, fill out the form below. We also recommend meeting with the OCIA director before we officially begin in the fall; this is a great opportunity to find out more about the OCIA process, and get your questions answered.
I would like more information.
OCIA Class Sign Up
Adult Faith, RCIA, and Communication
810-244-1687
formation.hrc@gmail.com
