The OCIA Process

Inquiry: the initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You're asking questions and checking it out, but aren't yet ready to commit.

Catechumenate: those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you're developing your faith and are being "catechized"—learning catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.

Purification and preparation: The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. If you're following the OCIA process, you'll go through a beautiful series of Gospel-based meditations during Lent.

Initiation: the culmination of the whole process! You're received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where you'll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. (If you've already been baptized, you won't be baptized again.) At St. Paul of the Cross Parish, First Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) is celebrated the Monday of Holy Week.

Mystagogy: after reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.

(This was adapted from beginningcatholic.com)

Have questions about the Catholic Faith? These resources can help you find the answers.
 

FORMED offers a complete selection of documentaries, books, movies, bible studies and audio talks on all aspects of the Catholic Faith. St. Paul of the Cross Parish uses many of these resources for adult education classes and sacramental preparation.

Registration is FREE when you sign up with Saint Paul of the Cross Parish! Here's how:

1. Navigate to FORMED.org
2. Click on "FORMED FOR INDIVIDUALS"
3. Enter your email address
4. Find our parish by entering our zip code 15234 into the field.  Click on "St. Paul of the Cross" when it appears. Then click "next". 
5. Enter your name and email address in the appropriate fields then click on "sign up"

 

Exploring the beauty of the Catholic Faith has never been easier - at home, in the car, or from any internet connected device !  Discover thousands of content options...there's something for every member of the family to help them grow closer to Christ and His Church.

 

For additional explanation and information on the RCIA process: Christian Initiation of Adults | USCCB

 

Additional information about the process of becoming Catholic with answers to common questions, access to Catholic prayers, and Catholic Moral Teaching, all in one place: Starting in the Faith: Catholic RCIA Stages | beginningCatholic.com