Becoming Catholic
How do I become Catholic?
OCIA and OCIC
OCIA and OCIC are run as a joint parish family program. Adults have the option to attend OCIA on Tuesday evenings at St. Joseph or Thursday evenings at Mary Queen of Peace. We use the same registration form for both. At this time we are only able to offer one OCIC program, which meets Tuesday evenings at St. Joseph
Adults
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process by which adults become members of the Catholic Faith. We invite both non-baptized adults and those baptized in another Christian faith into this process, as well as those who were baptized Catholic but received no other Sacraments. The program focuses on the foundational teachings of the Church, living our your Christian faith, and building a relationship with Christ.
Children
Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) is intended for children over the age of seven who are unbaptized or were baptized in another Christian faith. The process focuses on the fundamental teachings of the Church and fostering a relationship with Christ. We offer both a youth program for teens in grades 6 - 12 and an elementary program for children in grades 3-5.
Christian Initiation of Adults and Children (8 and older) is a process designed for those seeking to inquire into the Catholic faith. The process involves:
Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry) This is a time of no fixed duration for those seeking an introduction to the Catholic Faith and Gospel values. It is a time to ask questions about God, Christ, the Church, its structure and teachings.
Catechumenate This is the major time for formation—a time for nurturing the growth of faith and conversion to God. It may last up to one year for those who are not baptized.
Purification and Enlightenment (Lent) This is the time immediately preceding initiation, coinciding usually with the season of Lent. It is a time of reflection, marked by celebration of certain rites helping to prepare a person for the sacraments of initiation.
Celebration of the Sacraments For those who are not baptized, this is the rite, normally celebrated at the Easter Vigil, whereby a person is initiated through receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Mystagogy This is the time, usually the Easter season, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community through participation in the Sunday Eucharist, and through reflection on the experience of receiving the sacraments.
If you have any questions or would like more information on our programs, please contact Mary Williams at mwilliams@sjcissaquah.org.