Come and Journey with Me
On this great journey of LIFE, we are often challenged, confused, and sometimes even detoured. There are so many options open to us that making the correct decision is difficult. Choosing the right school, the right major, the right career, and the right partner are the biggies but there are so many more. Finding our way to God should be paramount. If you are feeling called to a relationship with God through the Catholic church here is your invitation to come and see.
Classes will begin in late August and run through April of 2024.
Why did the name change from RCIA to OCIA?
In the Fall of ’21, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops convened to renew the vision for initiating adults into the Church. “Rite” was replaced with “Order” for three reasons: (1) the original Latin uses the word “Ordo”, which refers to a sequence of milestones in faith formation; (2) parishes and members alike are called to understand faith formation as a life-long commitment by which we order our lives; (3) Initiation into the Church involves numerous rites.
At the completion of OCIA, which Sacraments would I receive?
If you have never received any Sacraments, then you can expect to receive Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Otherwise, it will depend upon your situation; proof of any previously received Sacraments is required, ideally the certificate given by the church where they occurred.
How often does the class meet and for how long?
Beginning in late August, classes meet once a week, except for holidays. The program wraps-up in time for the Easter Vigil, scheduled at the conclusion of the Lenten season.
What if I am not ready to make a commitment to becoming Catholic?
Whether you have complete assurance of joining the Church, or you are hoping to just learn a little more about being Catholic, you are welcome to attend a class. By the fifth session (in early October), participants are expected to make a commitment to regularly attend future meetings.
What are attendance expectations? Week to week, can I switch which session I attend?
Scheduling conflicts can happen, so when that’s the case, please inform your OCIA instructor(s). This process of learning about Catholicism is done in a spirit of accompaniment, which means the leadership team is committed to walking with you every step of the way.
What opportunities are available for me to develop my understanding of Catholic doctrines, traditions, and spiritual life?
Throughout the year, our parish and elsewhere in the Rockford diocese there are a variety of opportunities to grow in your practice of the Faith. On a weekly basis, please check out our bulletin, which includes subscribing for free notifications by email & text message. Another option is our parish app. For a provider of solid Catholic content, visit FORMED.org, produced by the Augustine Institute.
OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), formerly RCIA, is a church-wide process that brings people into full communion with the Catholic church. The process culminates with the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. The date in 2024 will be March 30. Individuals may enter the process at any stage. Those who have never been baptized, those who have been validly baptized but never received further religious education, those who never received their first Eucharist and those never having received Confirmation are all welcome. These sacraments of initiation bring you fully into our Catholic community here at St. John Neumann as well as into the larger church – the diocese of Rockford to which our parish belongs.
Brent Smith
Director of Adult Formation & Evangelization
BrentSmith@sjnstcharles.org
630-377-2797 ext 113
