Becoming Catholic
Launch the media gallery 1 playerOCIA is a process...
of questioning and conversation, for non-Catholics who wish to know more about the Church, and for Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. The purpose of OCIA is not to complete a class requirement or to see how much information you can learn about the Catholic Church. Rather, OCIA is designed to help deepen your faith in God, and make you a stronger disciple of Christ.
St. Francis Xavier and St. John of the Cross in Western Springs, have combined efforts to present the best of our programs to participants. Leaders from both churches walk with participants throughout the process. If you have been thinking about becoming Catholic or completing your sacraments, please consider joining us!
Who participates in OCIA?
- Unbaptized Adults who are feeling called to become followers of Christ by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
- Adults Baptized as Christians in another denomination, who are now interested in living out their Christian life in the Catholic Church. They are welcomed into full communion through a profession of faith and receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
- Adults Baptized Catholic who are seeking to complete their sacraments of initiation with the celebration of Confirmation and Eucharist.
What is the Goal of OCIA?
OCIA is all about conversion – growth and change taking place in our hearts and minds so that we can more fully live in relationship with God and each other. It is about deepening our faith, and exploring what belief in God means for our lives and how it is reflected in our actions. The purpose is not to check off a class requirement or to see how much information you can learn, but rather to assist you in becoming a living, breathing, active disciple of Christ!
A note for those with mixed feelings: We are all on a journey. Many of us come to this process with different experiences of life and faith. Your thoughts about starting this process might range from “Great! When can I start?” to “Gee, this seems like an awful lot!” Wherever you are on that spectrum, we are excited about and open to walking with you as you explore how God might be inviting you into a deeper relationship.
The OCIA process is definitely a commitment of time and energy, but each Easter we hear folks say it was time well spent and the months really flew by. We work hard to give you the experiences and tools you need to not only make this commitment of faith, but also to keep it!
If you are unsure this is the right step for you, you are not alone. OCIA at its best helps people find their way on their spiritual journey. If in that progress you discern this isn’t the right fit for you, or not the right time, that is ok, too!
Next Steps:
If you are interested in becoming Catholic, please let us know and we will put you in touch with an OCIA Team Member. Email Maggie McMahon at mmcmahon@sfxlg.org or call 708-352-0168 (Ext. 537)
Or join us for our ICE CREAM SOCIAL to meet some of those who have been through the process in recent years:
ICE CREAM SOCIAL: July 16, 2024 from 6:30-8PM
at St John of the Cross Parish Center (5005 Wolf Rd, Western Springs). Families welcome! Park in the lot between the school and parish center (by the basketball hoops) and then enter through the glass double doors or come around back to find the party!
RSVP by clicking here (anytime before the event)
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