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Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
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Welcome to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish Community
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If you are considering becoming Catholic you can be sure that the Holy Spirit is at work. The question itself is a prompting of grace.
Below is a brief outline of the process of formation for initiation into the Catholic Church. Circumstances vary for each individual so we encourage you to call the parish to assess your individual needs and desires of the heart.OCIA
For unbaptized adults and older children seeking to become Catholic, the Church uses the process known as The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This process is marked by distinct yet interwoven stages that include rituals (or Rites) and periods of preparation intended to guide the seeker in identifying where God is leading. There are three basic stages to the formation process:Stage 1: The Precatechumenate
This stage is one of inquiry. During the precatechumenate the Gospel message is proclaimed and the unbaptized seeker is guided to listen to God’s will for his or her life. Once having reached the point of acceptance of the Gospel proclamation and wishing to be received into the Catholic Church, the next period begins. There is no set time frame for the precatechumenate. The Holy Spirit moves according to the needs of the individual and the precatechumenate respects this individual process.Stage 2: The Catechumenate
This stage centers on catechesis (instruction). Marked by liturgical rites such as breaking open the Word of God, blessings and anointing with the oil of the catechumens’, this stage takes place amidst the faith community that accompanies them on the journey of faith. During this stage the catechumens (those preparing for baptism) learn Catholic beliefs, are exposed to various forms of prayer and join the community in various worship, social and charitable events.Stage 3: Enlightenment
Once the catechumen is ready to make a formal request for the sacraments of initiation they attending the Rite of Election and the celebration of “being Chosen” for the mission of the Church which is to communicate God’s love to others. This rite marks the beginning of the period of purification and enlightenment and immediate preparation for the reception of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.Postbaptismal Catechesis: Mystagogy
Receiving the sacraments does not mark an end as much is it does a beginning. Now the newly initiated begin living out their call to holiness. It is important to continue to gather together for prayer and to share experiences of living a life centered on the Eucharist. Mystagogia is a Greek word meaning guiding into mystery. This mystery is infinitely understandable and must unfold within community. It takes time as experiences of faith lead to reflection and reflection leads to action.
For further study: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/rite-of-christian-initiation-of-adults/index.cfm
Some adults come through the OCIA process having been baptized in the Catholic Church but never fully initiated. Some come from other Christian faith traditions wishing to be received into the Church. A copy of your baptism certificate will be necessary to determine if baptism is needed.
Please contact Mary Garlow, Director of Faith Formation and Evangelization to begin the planning process. Contact Mary through email at [email protected] or call 248-647-6068
Click here to register for Faith Formation 2025-26
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