Books to help you on your journey:

1. The New American Bible
2. The Catholic Source Book, 3rd Ed.
    Reverand Peter Klein
3. The Catechism of the Catholic Church
4. Compendium of the Catholic Church
5. YouCat - Catechism for Young Adults
6.  When You Are an RCIA Sponsor
     Rita Burns Senseman

Are You Thinking about Being a Roman Catholic?

                                                                             
       
                                 WELCOME! 

The process by which adults come into the Church is known as OCIA, short for "The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults."
 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROCESS?

1. The Unbaptized. The primary focus of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is on those who are not already Christian and have not been catechized, having little or no religious education.

2. Baptized but Un-Catechized. These have been baptized either as Roman Catholics or as members of another Christian community, but did not receive further catechetical formation or instruction. These typically have not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation or the Holy Eucharist. 

3. Those seeking Full Communion with the Catholic Church. These are baptized, practicing Christians from other denominations who seek entry into the Catholic Church. 

In the case of children who have reached the age of reason, the pastor should be consulted for information about Baptism and the other Sacraments of Initiation. 

For those who have already received their First Eucharist in the Catholic Church, celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will not occur at the Easter Vigil.  The Diocese of Columbus celebrates this sacrament for adult Catholics at Saint Joseph Cathedral with Bishop Earl Fernandes as celebrant.  The date is announced by the chancery.  Father Jeff will inform you when this date is set.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS? 
The Order of Christian Initiation is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The experience and needs of those in each category described above differ, and so the length of time may vary for each person. Nevertheless, there are certain similarities among all the groups and the process they will experience.  These are listed as follows:

• Pre-catechumenate or Inquiry: a time for bringing forth questions and identifying issues about Catholicism that may present roadblocks to becoming Catholic.

• Catechumenate:  a time for exploring more deeply the Word of God and the doctrinal issues that flow from the Sunday readings.

• Purification and Enlightenment:  a time for focusing on the themes of Lent — Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving — and recognizing our sinfulness, our need for forgiveness, and the magnitude of God’s mercy in anticipation of the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

• Mystagogy:  a time for reflecting more deeply on our experience of the Sacraments, worship, community, mission and how we are to live in Christ each and every day.

The OCIA process is also the path for adults baptized in another Christian church who now wish to be in full communion with the Catholic Church.  Movement through this process parallels that of the unbaptized persons (catechumens).  Reverencing their valid Baptism, the Christian candidates celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, make a Profession of Faith, and celebrate Confirmation and Eucharist.
 
I AM INTERESTED.  WHAT SHOULD MY FIRST STEPS BE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS? 

-  Contact Father Jeff Rimelspach, 614-279-1690, before September 20, 2024.
-  If you are already baptized, please bring a copy of the certificate/letter to the first class. 
-  Classes begin September 23, 2024
-  Classes are held in the lower level of the rectory from 7 - 8:30 pm every Monday evening.  Please use
   the door to the right side of the rectory garage door for entrance to the classroom.