Become
Catholic
Whether you're ready to take a step or just have a question, you're welcome here. Asking costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
No pressure, no deadline, no strings
Maybe you've been coming to Mass with your family for years. Maybe a Catholic friend got you thinking, or you're starting to wonder about God for the first time. However you got here, the first step is simply a conversation.
You don't need to know what to ask, and you don't need to have decided anything. Every question is a good one.
At St. Francis, the path into the Catholic Church is called OCIA, short for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. (You may also hear its older name, RCIA.) It's simply how the Church welcomes adults who want to become Catholic: learning, praying, and getting to know the parish alongside people who've walked the same road.
If any of these sound like you
Every person's story is different. If yours isn't listed here, ask anyway.
And you'd like to know what it would mean to become a Christian and a Catholic.
You're a Christian from another tradition and feel drawn to the Catholic Church. You won't be baptized again.
You were baptized Catholic but never received First Communion or Confirmation, and you'd like to.
Your spouse, family, or friends are Catholic, and you'd like to understand what they believe and why.
You have questions about God, the Church, or the Mass, and you'd like an honest answer from a real person.
That's fine. Ask a question and we'll figure it out together.
What the journey looks like
There's no test to pass and no rush. You learn at your own pace, with a team from the parish and a sponsor who walks alongside you the whole way.
When we meet: Sessions are held weekly, typically starting in the fall. You're welcome to reach out anytime of year.
The Church has formal names for each stage. We've included them in small print below, in case you hear them along the way.
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Come with your questionsMeet the team, ask anything, and see whether this is for you. Coming doesn't commit you to becoming Catholic.Also called inquiry
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Learn and pray togetherWeekly sessions on what Catholics believe and how they pray, plus time to talk over the Sunday Scripture readings. Your sponsor helps you get to know the parish.Also called the catechumenate
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Prepare your heart during LentThe weeks before Easter are a time of prayer and reflection, with special blessings for you at Sunday Mass.Also called purification and enlightenment
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Join the Church at EasterAt the Easter Vigil, you receive the sacraments that make you fully Catholic: Baptism if you haven't been baptized, Confirmation, and your first Holy Communion.The sacraments of initiation
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Keep growingThrough the Easter season you continue meeting, reflecting on what you've received and finding your place in parish life.Also called mystagogy
Walk alongside someone
Nobody makes this journey alone, and the parish community is a big part of it.
- SponsorsOCIA sponsors assist the candidates and catechumens by journeying alongside them during the process. Sponsors attend sessions and help introduce and incorporate those in the process into parish life.
- Team membersTeam members can help by facilitating sessions, breaking open the Sunday Scriptures during the Sunday dismissal or assisting the OCIA coordinator.
If you'd like to help, contact Misty Cramsey at ocia@stfrancissolanus.com.
Have a question? Start here.
Send a quick email, give us a call, or ask Fr. Arisman directly. You'll get a real answer from a real person, and nobody will sign you up for anything.
Some people ask one question and that's enough. Others find it's the start of something. Either way, we're glad you asked.
Misty can tell you when sessions meet, what to expect, and help you take a first step if you're ready.
Have a question about faith, the Church, or your own situation? Fr. Arisman is glad to hear it.
Do I have to commit to anything if I ask a question or come to a session?
No. Asking questions and coming to early sessions doesn't obligate you to become Catholic. Many people come simply to learn more, and they're always welcome.
What does OCIA stand for?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It's the way the Catholic Church welcomes adults who want to become Catholic. It used to be called RCIA, so you may hear either name.
I was baptized in another Christian church. Will I be baptized again?
No. The Catholic Church recognizes a baptism done with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You'd prepare to be received into the Catholic Church and receive Confirmation and your first Holy Communion.
I'm Catholic but never received Confirmation or First Communion. Is this for me?
It can be. Adults who were baptized Catholic can prepare to receive the sacraments they missed. Reach out to Misty and she'll help you find the right path.
When and how often do sessions meet?
Sessions are held weekly, typically starting in the fall. Contact Misty for this year's day and time. You're welcome to reach out at any time of year.
Do I need a sponsor?
Yes, each person has a sponsor, a practicing Catholic who walks alongside you, comes to sessions with you, and helps you get to know the parish. If you don't have someone in mind, we'll help you find one.
My marriage situation is complicated. Can I still take part?
Yes, you're welcome to start. Situations like a previous marriage are common and are not a reason to stay away. It helps to talk with Fr. Arisman early so he can walk you through it.
What about my children?
Children who are seven or older and have not been baptized prepare through a process adapted for their age. Contact Misty and she'll explain the options for your family.
Every journey starts with one question.
No forms to fill out, no commitment to make. Just reach out, and we'll take it from there together.