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.
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.
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 God
Who 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
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.
*catechesis = the passing on of the faith
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
There 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.
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