Become Catholic
Experience this fulfilling formation through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
It’s never too late.
You are invited to embrace the love of Jesus Christ and the light and beauty He brings to our lives.
Our Mission & Beliefs
St. Peter’s commits its values in faithful stewardship to the mission of Jesus Christ, bringing to light all the wonderful reasons to be part of the Catholic faith.
OCIA
Formerly known as Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), OCIA is the process of welcoming and initiating new members into the Catholic Church.
-
The goal is to help initiate one’s journey into discipleship through a process of total formation of the person into:
Believing with the Church community (doctrinal formation)
Living with the Church community (practical formation)
Praying with the Church community (Liturgical formation)
Serving with the Church community (Apostolic formation)
-
Adults 18+ who have never been baptized.
Adults 18+ who have been baptized in other Christian Churches and want to become members of the Catholic Church.
-
OCIA process will be guided through four phases:
I - Pre-Catechumen: Period of inquiry
II - Catechumen: Catechesis (religious education), scripture, prayer and parish life
III - Elect: Period of prayer and participation in the Liturgy of the Word during Lent (which is the 40 days leading to Easter in spring).
IV - Nepohyte: Post-baptism catechesis (religious education), participation in the mass and in parish ministries
-
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is not a program; it is the Church's way of ministering sensitively to those who seek membership. For this reason, some people will need more time than others as they prepare for the lifetime commitment that comes with membership in the Catholic Church.
The usual length of preparation time is 1-2 years. However, this time commitment may be shorter for those who have already been baptized and are seeking full communion in the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
OCIA is for adults ages 18 years of age and older. For children and infants, learn about baptism at St. Peter’s.
Volunteering for the OCIA Ministry team
Candidates and catechumens need the support of the entire community throughout their initiation. Serving the OCIA Ministry could mean:
Sharing your own faith journey, breaking open the Sunday readings for further reflection, and representing the larger community of St. Peter’s.
Answering a call to serve as a sponsor who witnesses and assists the candidates.
Both of these roles involve supporting a candidate in the process by gathering for Sunday sessions of Breaking Open the Word, which is a reflection on the Sunday readings. They also require participation in the culminating celebration of the rites.
Ready to take the next step?
Congratulations on taking the first step — deciding to reach out. Our Office of Adult Faith Formation is here to warmly support you.
Office of Adult Faith Formation
Christine Black
Pastoral Associate
201-261-3366 (Parish Office)
CBlack@saint-peter.org
“The name catechesis was given to the whole of the efforts within the Church to make disciples, to help people to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, so that believing they might have life in His name, and to educate and instruct them in this life and thus build up the Body of Christ.”
— Pope John Paul II, Catechesi tradendae#1