Becoming Catholic (OCIA)

Who is OCIA for?

• For adults over the age of 18;
• For adults who are not baptized and want to convert to the Catholic faith; or
• For adults who were baptized at a Christian church and want to be received in to the Catholic Church; or
• For adults who, having been baptized Catholic, want to complete the Sacraments of Initiation: Confirmation and Eucharist.

When are the sessions?

• Tuesdays (English Sessions) from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  You are asked to attend faithfully.

What are the documents that I will need to present to register?

• If you are not baptized, Birth Certificate - State issued with State Seal
• If baptized, a new Baptismal Certificate issued no later than 6 months from the date you turn in your Birth Certificate.

What is my commitment?

• Faithful participation and attendance in the OCIA weekly sessions, Rites, Masses, Retreat, Events, and Rehearsals
• Submit required documentation (If not baptized, Birth Certificate and if baptized, Baptismal Certificate and Birth Certificate)

When will I receive the Sacraments?

• When you receive the Sacraments depends on your personal journey of faith. In most cases, it is a period of one year. 
• Sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

If I am not married through the Catholic Church, what should I do?

• If you are married by the J.P. or if you are living together as husband/wife and you are not married in the Church, you must be married in the Catholic Church before you can receive your sacraments of initiation, please contact, Silvia Perez for more information about starting the paperwork for your religious wedding.

Do I need godparents? Sponsors?

• Adults who are seeking baptism may have godparents (man and woman) or only one godparent (man or woman).
• Baptized adults who want to become Catholics must have only one sponsor (man or woman).
• Catholic adults who want to complete their initiation may have only one sponsor (man or woman).

What are the requirements to be a godparent/sponsor?

• The person must be 16 years old or older.
• Must be catholic and must have celebrated Confirmation and First Communion.
• Must be a practicing catholic, that is, must come to mass every Sunday and be able to receive communion (those who live as husband and wife and their union has not been blessed by the Catholic Church and do not receive communion, cannot be a godparent or sponsor).
• Parents are not to be godparents / sponsor of their own children.
• Attend Sponsor orientation & sessions, participate in Rites, attend mass with catechumen/ candidate starting in December.
• Be a registered and active member of your local Roman Catholic Church / Parish and provide a letter signed by your priest.