What is OCIA?
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), formerly called “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)”, is the process through which one becomes a full member of the Roman Catholic Church. Full membership in the Catholic Church involves a whole formation process, which includes the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Most Holy Eucharist.
While coming to know Jesus and His invitation to become a disciple, the OCIA process involves the journey of faith and conversion. A person is introduced to the beliefs, life, liturgy, and apostolic work of the Catholic Church.
Who is OCIA for?
All adults interested in becoming Catholic are welcome to be a part of OCIA, including those:
- Those who already know they would like to become Catholic
- Catholics who have been baptized but never completed their sacraments of initiation
- Those who have had Christian formation but now wish to be Catholic
- Those who have had no religious formation and are interested learning about Catholicism
Registration
If you are ready to register for classes, complete the online registration form. Classes begin in September.
Meetings
We meet on Tuesday night from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, beginning after Labor Day through Easter.
We meet in St Mary’s Hall, 319 12th Street, Columbus (across from the front door of the Church)
Questions?
Please read through the FAQs below. If you still have questions, you may contact:
Stephanie, Office Coordinator
office@holyfamilycolumbus.com or 706-323-6908 ext.6
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started on becoming Catholic?
- The best way to begin your journey to becoming Catholic is attending Mass.
- We have Daily Mass at 12:10pm Monday-Thursday, Saturday Mass 5:00pm, Sunday Mass 8:30 am, 11:00am. As Catholics we are called to attend Sunday Mass every week (or the Saturday vigil Mass) and the best way to form that habit, is to begin attending Mass.
- Check out the “Resources” below for information to help you better understand the Mass.
- Please note if have you have not been fully “received” into the Catholic faith, you may not partake in the Sacrament of Communion. You may come up for a blessing from the Pastor or Deacon, simply cross your arms in front of your chest.
Who is OCIA for?
- Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith
- Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism, or Profession of Faith
- Those who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received religious education, Confirmation, or First Eucharist
What topics of study will be covered?
- The Mass
- Divine Revelations
- The Bible
- Sacred Spaces
- Mary & the Saints
- The Sacraments
- Christian morals and ethics
- How to Pray
- The Four Last Things
- The Trinity, the Fall and the Paschal Mystery.
Must I make a commitment to Catholicism to participate in this program?
Eventually, maybe. We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before they make such a commitment. We also realize that Catholicism is not for everyone. We ask no firm commitment until the beginning of Lent (the six weeks leading up to Easter).
What kind of commitment am I making?
By joining the OCIA process, we ask that you would make a two-fold commitment-to the process itself and to having an open heart and mind. Throughout the process, there are weekly classes, various rites (Church services/celebrations), and Mass attendance. As such, we are asking you to commit to these regular meetings, which may mean giving up something for a time that may be in conflict with our meetings. Know that the sacrifice would be for a limited time and that it will be worth the effort.
I was baptized a Methodist, Baptist, etc. Must I be re-baptized in order to join the Catholic Church?
No. There is only one Baptism. Candidates seeking full communion within the Catholic Church will not be baptized again. They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
Where can I obtain my baptismal record or certificate?
Please call the church where you were baptized, some churches keep archives of their baptisms. If the church does not exist anymore, or the record/certificate is irretrievable, then a copy of some kind of documentation of your baptism (i.e., a program from the baptism, pictures, a page from the family bible with the date and church of baptism) will suffice. If truly nothing exists, then a letter from a witness detailing the vent will normally be accepted.
Resources
There is an extensive list of recommended books to review to learn more about Catholicism in the Amazon list, Interested in Becoming Catholic. There are also more resources for you to dive into:
- Formed.org (click here) Search for our church with the zip code 31901
- A Biblical Walk Through the Mass (online access through Ascension Press for $5.95- Walk Through The Mass Online)
- A Christian Cosmic Narrative (available at the Church Office)
- Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist (available where most books are sold)
Catholic Websites:
Sponsors
If you have been asked to sponsor someone entering the Catholic faith, please complete the form below and return to the Church Office.
Please be aware that a sponsor is required to be an active Catholic in good standing and must have completed baptism, First Communion, Confirmation and Marriage in the Catholic Church.