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Whatever may have sparked your interest in Catholicism, we invite you to learn more with us at St. Thomas More. To start asking questions or learn about next steps, please contact Tina Howell.
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BECOMING CATHOLIC
Why Become Catholic?
Every year hundreds of people decide to become Catholic, and each one has their own special story. Each is drawn to the Church by different experiences and circumstances.
St Augustine, a great Saint of the Church said, “Our hearts are restless O Lord, until they rest in you.” The desire for God is written in the human heart because humankind is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw all humankind to himself. Only in God will we find the truth and happiness we long for.
Any journey towards the Church is primarily a journey toward God. This journey toward God is found through Jesus Christ. He is the “Word made Flesh,” as St John says (Jn 1:14.) He reveals God to us: “To see me is to see the Father” (Jn 14:9)What is the OCIA?
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It may also be referred to as ‘the Catechumenate.’ It is a process of Christian formation offered to those who seek to become Catholic.
Who is the OCIA For?
The initiation of new members is a gradual process allowing inquirers time to grow in faith and become full participants of the Catholic community. The catechumenal journey or OCIA process is marked by three major liturgical rites.* These rites act as key gateways along the way. Each major rite is preceded and followed by a period of maturing faith.
*Rite = the form and manner of religious observance or ceremony for the worship of God and the sanctification of humankind.The OCIA is for all those seeking to become members of the Catholic Church. Unbaptized children over the age of seven years are supported through a specially adapted form of the Rite.
The OCIA is offered to those who have never been baptized but also benefits those already baptized who desire to become Catholic.
The non-baptized who are suitably prepared are joyfully received into the Catholic Church by the reception of the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. This takes place at the Easter Vigil.
Those already baptized, following a period of preparation, are welcomed into full communion of the Catholic Church by the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. This may take place at a suitable time during the liturgical year.
Glossary of OCIA:Catechumen – a non-baptized person preparing for Baptism and Initiation into the Catholic Church
Candidate – a baptized person preparing to enter full communion of the Catholic Church
Sacrament – a visible sign of God’s grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, to renew and reconcile us to GodWho will accompany you on the OCIA journey?
Members of our faith community (parish) support you on your OCIA journey through prayer, Christian witness, and fellowship.
The Bishop of Raleigh, the Most Reverend Luis Rafael Zarama, as part of his overall pastoral care of the Diocese, actively promotes the Catechumenate. Bishop Zarama normally welcomes the new members by presiding at the Rite of Election in Lent.
Our Pastor, Fr Rafael León and other parish clergy play a special role in ministering to the pastoral and spiritual care of those on the journey and those who are accompanying them.
A team of catechists guide the formation process of those in the OCIA group along with our parish clergy (priests and deacons). As those in formation share their experience of God in their own lives, catechists guide them to a deeper reflection on the Word of God and greater understanding of the faith of the Church.Godparents and Sponsors
Sponsors
The role of a sponsor is one of a spiritual friend, of support and care. Sponsors are members of our faith community who take an active and supportive role as companions, witnesses, and guides for those seeking to join the Catholic Church. You may have a Catholic friend or colleague who could also act as a sponsor.Godparents
Godparents have a special role that goes beyond the timeframe of the RCIA journey. As part of the RCIA, Godparents play an especially important role during the liturgical rites such as Rite of Election and Sacraments of Initiation. A Godparent must be over 16 years of age and have fully completed their Christian Initiation into the Catholic Church.
MAJOR RITES AND PERIODS OF THE OCIA PROCESS
First Period- Period of Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate
A time of inquiry and introduction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. An opportunity for the beginnings of faith.The period of Evangelization and Pre-catechumenate allows inquirers an opportunity to question and begin to explore many different aspects of the Catholic faith while being introduced to the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. This period of early formation leads to the Rite of Acceptance.- First Step (for the Unbaptized): Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (Rite of Acceptance)
The first liturgical rite in which inquirers express and the Church accepts their intention to respond to God’s call and follow the way of Jesus Christ.At a suitable time, inquirers who are interested in making a more formal commitment to the faith participate in the Rite of Acceptance. This Rite is the gateway to the second period of the RCIA, the Catechumenate. From this moment, the inquirer is accepted into the Church as a catechumen, one preparing for Baptism.
- First Step (for the Baptized): Welcoming the Candidates (Rite of Welcome)
Through this rite inquirers are welcomed into the faith community and acknowledge themselves to be part of it because they have already been marked with the seal of Baptism.This Rite of Welcome welcomes baptized but previously uncatechized inquirers who are seeking to complete their Christian initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist or to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
Second Period- Period of the Catechumenate
The period of time for growth in faith and conversion to God through prayer, catechesis* and fellowship.During the period of the Catechumenate, catechumens begin to participate with the whole Catholic parish community in their Sunday liturgical celebrations by sharing in the Liturgy of the Word. Through the study of Sacred Scripture, prayer, catechesis and coming to know other Catholic Christians, catechumens discover the love and power of God in their lives and in the Church. During this period, catechumens receive anointings, participate in prayers of exorcism and blessings to assist their conversion of heart and mind to God.- Second Step: Election or enrollment of names (Rite of Election)
The liturgical rite during which the Church formally approves the catechumen’s readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation.The Rite of Election is an acknowledgement on behalf of our pastor, Fr Scott McCue, the RCIA team, and the sponsors, that the catechumen is suitably formed and ready to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. It is a formal acceptance on behalf of the Church. The catechumen too, formally declares that he /she has believed and accepted all that was presented to them in the Catechumenate. The catechumens declare their desire to become a fully active participant of the Catholic faith community.
The Rite of Election is usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent. It is celebrated at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, in Raleigh, for all those preparing to become Catholic at Easter.
THIRD Period
*catechesis = the passing on of the faith- Period of Purification & Enlightenment
This period usually takes place during the liturgical season of Lent. It is a time of more intense spiritual preparation for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.This period is marked by three parish celebrations known as Scrutinies. The Elect are presented with the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer and together with their parish community focus on an ever-deeper conversion and examination of their lives in light of the Gospel.- Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
This is the most important of all transitional Rites because it is when the Elect are fully incorporated into Christ and the Church by Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.At the Easter Vigil the Elect are Baptized, Confirmed, and make their First Holy Communion, thus becoming full members of the Body of Christ, the Church. From this time, they are known as Neophytes (’new sprouts’) for the first year of their new life in Christ.
FOURTH Period- Period of Mystagogy and Neophyte* Year
Mystagogy, or post-baptismal catechesis, is an important period of time for the newly initiated to reflect on their Easter experience.This is an important period of reflection for the newly initiated with their parish community, particularly at the Masses for Neophytes during the Easter season.
During their neophyte year the new Catholics are especially supported in their participation in the mission of the Church as disciples of Christ.
While the fourth stage marks the closing of the RCIA chapter, it is the very beginning of living a new life as a fully initiated and participating member of the Catholic Church! A life called to an ongoing mystagogy, an ever-deepening conversion to God.
*neophyte = “newly planted,” the first year of being Catholic
Taking the Next StepThere is no pressure or obligation for those inquiring about becoming Catholic. We welcome all inquiries.
People who are interested in becoming Catholic may contact Tina Howell ([email protected]; 919-942-6258) to discuss their interest and to inquire about taking the next step.
Sources:
- Catechumenate Office of the Archdiocese of Sydney
- Archdiocese of Baltimore
- Diocese of Little Rock Religious Education Office - On the Road to Catholicism
- The Catechumenal Process Overview Chart - Liturgical Training Publications (2013)