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Become Catholic

- Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)
  
  Is there a longing in your heart to know more about the Catholic faith? Are you searching for something? Jesus asks the disciples and, in extension, each of us, “What are you looking for?” Are you looking for truth? Meaning? Or maybe you don’t even know what you are searching for. Jesus responds by simply saying, “Come and see!” We invite you to respond to the invitation to Come and See! All are invited! All are welcome!
  
  What is OCIA?
  The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a process that provides for adults, unbaptized or baptized, who are seeking to know more about the Catholic faith and become a part of that faith. Here at St. Matthew, the process is also open to those adult Catholics who have been away from the church and are seeking to become part of their religion/church again.
  
  What is the process?
  The process occurs in phases as the individual's faith develops.
  
  The first is a period of inquiry where time is spent answering questions the "inquirer" has concerning Catholicism. The second is the catechumenate period, providing faith growth through scripture. This is followed by the period of purification and enlightenment, where attention is given to looking into one's conscience and soul for strength, conviction, and determination to live according to the teachings of the Catholic religion, and that the decision made to follow this path is a true one. The Easter Vigil is a focal point of this faith journey. Following this, a period of Mystagogy guides the newly formed Catholics, Neophytes, through a time of looking at the sacraments, sacramentals, rituals, traditions, and teachings of the Catholic Church.
  
  The OCIA process of St. Matthew’s welcomes any adult who feels the Holy Spirit move him/her toward the Catholic Church. The process may be entered into at any time. OCIA is not a series of classes where participants advance as a unit. The process is based on faith growth, and each "inquirer" will enter and proceed to the next phase when his/her faith growth indicates the individual is ready for that next step. There is no set time for completion of the process.
  
  What does Inquiry mean?
  Inquiring into the Catholic faith is simply that—no commitment is necessary. There is no pressure to attend or complete the process. The Holy Spirit guides participants, and each will know in his/her heart if the time is right and if this is truly what the individual desires.
  
  How do I get the process started?
  Contact Susan Burkholder, Director of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
  814-684-0352
  [email protected]
- Become Catholic Interest Form
  
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OCIA FAQs
Is it right for me?
- Do you wish for a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ?
  Do you seek answers to the big questions about faith and the Catholic Church?
  Do you want to understand Sacred Scripture from a Catholic perspective?
  Do you desire deeper unity with God and His Church through the Sacraments?
  
  If you are ready to begin a new life of faith, hope and love lived in communion with Catholics locally and throughout the world, OCIA is for you. You are invited to join in this journey to learn more about the Catholic faith and grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ!
What is it about?
- OCIA is primarily a journey of faith. It is a participation in the rich heritage of welcoming new members into the Church. It is focused on conversion, whereby individuals interested in becoming Roman Catholic enter into a period of formation and life conversion through prayer, study, and reflection upon the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. It is a communal journey in which our church community welcomes new members into the parish community. OCIA is not a program or class, but a sacramental process in which candidates are fully initiated into the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
How does it work?
- While each person’s journey is unique, people of all faiths have found their way to the Catholic Church throughout the history of Christianity. OCIA offers a program of faith formation, discipleship and fellowship for persons over the age of seven that will prepare them for full initiation/communion into the Catholic Church at Easter.
  
  You do not have to make a commitment to become Catholic when you start the process. The OCIA journey begins with your desire to learn more about the Catholic faith. You will have a chance to have your questions answered and participate in the faith journey with other inquirers.