Welcome to our Becoming Catholic page.

The Catholic Church joyfully welcomes those who desire to learn more about Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. Whether you are just beginning to ask questions, have been considering becoming Catholic for some time, or are already baptized and seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, we invite you to journey with us.

Becoming Catholic is not simply a matter of attending classes or completing a program. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a journey of faith, conversion, prayer, discernment, formation, participation in the Church's liturgical life, and growing discipleship in Jesus Christ.

You do not make this journey alone. The OCIA team, sponsors or godparents as appropriate, clergy, catechists, and the entire parish community accompany those preparing for Christian initiation through prayer, encouragement, formation, and participation in the life of the Church.

Who Is OCIA for?
OCIA serves adults and, according to Church law, children who have reached catechetical age who are seeking Christian initiation.

• Unbaptized persons who desire to become Catholic. After being admitted through the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate, they are called catechumens.
• Baptized Christians who desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. They are called candidates and are not baptized again.
• Baptized Catholics who have not completed Christian initiation, such as those needing Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion. Their formation is adapted to their baptismal status and individual circumstances.

Because every person's faith journey is different, formation and preparation are adapted to the person's needs, previous Christian formation, readiness, and circumstances. Baptized candidates are not treated as though they were unbaptized catechumens.

The OCIA Journey

For the unbaptized, the Order of Christian Initiation unfolds through four periods of formation, with important liturgical rites marking the journey from one period to another.

1. Evangelization and Precatechumenate - Inquiry

This is the beginning of the journey. It is a time for asking questions, hearing the Gospel, becoming acquainted with the Catholic Church, praying, discerning, and developing or deepening one's relationship with Jesus Christ.

There is no pressure to make an immediate commitment. The Church accompanies each inquirer and provides opportunities for Scripture, prayer, conversation, and discernment.

When an unbaptized inquirer has begun to respond in faith and is ready to continue the journey, he or she may celebrate the Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate. After this rite, the person is properly called a catechumen.

2. The Catechumenate

The Catechumenate is an extended period of formation and conversion. Catechumens grow in their relationship with Christ through Sacred Scripture, Catholic teaching, prayer, participation in the Church's liturgical life, moral formation, service, community life, and the practice of Christian discipleship.

The goal is not simply to complete a certain number of classes. The Church looks for a developing faith, conversion of heart, participation in the Christian community, and readiness to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

When a catechumen is judged ready for the final preparation for initiation, the Church celebrates the Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names, ordinarily under the bishop or his delegate. After the Rite of Election, the catechumens are called the Elect.

3. Purification and Enlightenment

This period ordinarily corresponds with Lent and is a more intense time of spiritual preparation for the Elect. Rather than being primarily a period of additional classroom instruction, it emphasizes prayer, interior reflection, purification of heart, repentance, and preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation.

During this period, the Church celebrates important rites with the Elect, including the Scrutinies on the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent and other preparatory rites provided by the OCIA. The Elect ordinarily receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist - at the Easter Vigil.

4. Mystagogy - Continuing the Journey

Receiving the Sacraments is not a graduation from OCIA or the end of Christian formation. After Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, the newly initiated, called neophytes, enter the Period of Mystagogy.

During Mystagogy, the neophytes reflect more deeply on the mysteries they have celebrated, participate fully in the Eucharistic life of the Church, deepen their understanding of Scripture and the Sacraments, become more fully integrated into parish life, and discern how Christ is calling them to service and mission. Mystagogy continues through the Easter season, while Christian formation and discipleship continue throughout life.

What About Those Who Are Already Baptized?

Already-baptized Christians are not catechumens, because Baptism cannot be repeated. Those seeking full communion with the Catholic Church receive formation appropriate to their previous Christian experience and spiritual needs. Ordinarily, they make a Profession of Faith, are received into full communion with the Catholic Church, and receive Confirmation and Holy Eucharist as appropriate.

Their reception does not have to occur at the Easter Vigil. The Church permits their reception at another suitable time during the year according to their readiness and pastoral circumstances.

Sponsors, Godparents, and Parish Accompaniment

No one should make the journey toward Christian initiation alone. Members of the OCIA team, clergy, catechists, sponsors or godparents, and members of the parish community accompany those discerning and preparing for initiation.

For catechumens, godparents have a particular role as Christian witnesses and companions, especially at the Rite of Election, celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and during Mystagogy.

OCIA gatherings at San Juan del Rio provide opportunities for:

Sacred Scripture • Catholic teaching • prayer • the Sacraments • the Mass and liturgical year • moral and spiritual formation • Christian community • service • discernment • questions and conversation

There is no fee to participate in OCIA, and formation materials are provided.

Because Christian initiation is a journey of conversion and discernment rather than simply a school-year course, the length of preparation may vary according to each person's circumstances and readiness.

Catholics who would simply like to deepen their understanding of the faith are also welcome to contact us about opportunities for adult faith formation.

Begin Your Journey

If you are interested in becoming Catholic, completing your Christian initiation, or simply learning more about the Catholic faith, please contact us.

OCIA Leadership

Joe Diaz
OCIA Coordinator
904-314-6480
J.Diaz@sjdrparish.org

Sister Faith Ehiosu, SSL

Sisters of St. Louis
OCIA Co-Coordinator
904-287-0519, ext. 517
srfaith@sjdrparish.org

Parish Office Contact
San Juan del Rio Catholic Church
1718 State Road 13,

North St. Johns, FL 32259

904-287-0519

"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
— John 10:10