How Do I Become A Christian Through the Catholic Church?

HAVE YOU been feeling a nudge to draw closer to God through the Catholic Church?
ARE YOU desiring to get to know Jesus and the central beliefs of the Christian faith?
DO YOU know someone who wants to explore becoming Catholic?


The process for becoming a full member of the Roman Catholic Church is called OCIA: the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. There is an initial inquiry stage which will begin sessions for St. Thomas of Villanova in September – and all who are interested are invited to join us!

The OCIA process is for YOU, if you…
  • are a spouse of a Catholic and want to join the Catholic Church
  • are engaged to a Catholic and want to be introduced to our Christian faith to see if it is for you
  • have not been baptized and want to find out more about the Catholic Church
  • were baptized in another Christian faith tradition and want to become a Catholic Christian
  • were baptized Catholic and now want to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion to enter more fully into the Catholic faith

In life’s journey, many are searching for richer meaning, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and all of its impacts. You – or a loved one, friend, neighbor, or co-worker you know – may be realizing a deep hunger in your heart for the love and mercy of God and the warm fellowship of a community that strives to walk closely with Jesus. We can help you find what you seek.

The goal of OCIA is spiritual conversion centered on Jesus and the Church He founded. The process takes place over a number of months of formation in weekly gatherings: learning about the Catholic faith; experiencing the parish community; and participating in the practices, events, and ministries of the Church. Those who decide to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist will do so at the Easter Vigil Mass (next year on April 16, 2022), followed by a period focused on active involvement in the life of the parish.

For more information please contact Deacon Mark Duffey at [email protected] or call the Parish Office.


Have you recently asked yourself any of the following, or similar, questions?
  • How can I more deeply experience God’s love for me?
  • Is there something meaningful missing from my life?
  • How is Catholic Christianity different from other denominations or religions?
  • How can I better relate with my Catholic spouse / fiancé(e) by becoming Catholic?
  • Can I know the best path Jesus has for me?
  • How can I more fully feel a sense of belonging by becoming a member of the Catholic community?
 
For 20 centuries, people have turned to the Catholic Church to find answers to the deepest, most difficult questions of everyday life. Are you, or is someone you know, seeking answers to these types of questions? If so, then we warmly invite you to join a group of others on a similar journey, considering becoming members of the Catholic Church through our St. Thomas of Villanova Parish.
 
HOW CAN I HELP OTHERS BECOME CATHOLIC?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults – OCIA – described above requires a number of people as part of this parish ministry team to provide a welcoming, vital, effective process for forming and receiving new members into the Church. Roles include:
  • coordinating catechesis classes, hospitality, and prayer & liturgy
  • providing parish communications
  • being a Sponsor for Catechumens and Candidates
  • helping facilitate the group’s reflection on the Bible readings from Sunday Mass

Are you Are you feeling called to assist in one of those roles?  If you would like to find out more, please contact Deacon Mark Duffey at [email protected] or call the Parish Office.