Become a Catholic (OCIA)

What is OCIA? 

OCIA stands for “Oite of Christian Initiation of Adults.”  It is the process by which adults and older children are introduced to beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. It is an ancient rite of the Church and the manner in which individuals are initiated into the Church.

Who should attend OCIA?

OCIA is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, regardless of whether or not they are certain they would like to join the Church.  It is not a commitment to join the Church.

OCIA is for those who: 1) have no religious background at all; 2) have been a part of a different faith background (Protestant is just one example) or 3) were baptized Catholic as infants but never practiced nor learned about the faith and are now wish to come back to the Church.  These are just a few examples.  OCIA is for anyone who wishes to learn more about the Catholic faith and possibly join our Church family.  OCIA includes people from all walks of life – young and old with different backgrounds and jobs.

How does OCIA work at St. Peter Cathedral? 

Our sessions run from mid-September to a few weeks after Easter.  We meet on Thursday evenings in the Media Room (in the basement of the Cathedral) from 7 – 8 pm.

There is no charge for OCIA.

Sessions are led by our parish priests, deacons, and at times, a lay leader. (“Lay” means someone who is not a priest, deacon nor a religious-sister/nun.)  Each session will focus on a particular topic which is followed by a time for questions and discussion regarding how to apply this to our lives. As followers of Christ, we are a prayerful people and thus, will also pray together.

Can I attend Mass if I am not Catholic?

Everyone can attend Mass. OCIA students are required to attend Sunday Mass (Saturday 4pm Mass counts for this obligation).   The Mass is the center of Catholic life and as such, weekly Sunday Mass attendance is prescribed for all Catholics.  For more information, please see the attachment below.

May I receive communion if I am not yet Catholic?

Unfortunately no. This is due to the historical divisions which have separated Christians for many centuries. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is Jesus truly present in the Eucharist- Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.  It is NOT “just a symbol.” Because of the centrality of the belief of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of unity of faith, life, and worship, non-Catholics are not admitted to Communion. Again, for more information please see the attachment below

Ready to get started? Please contact the parish office at (906) 226-6548.