Becoming Catholic

“He who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things.”
– St. Alphonsus Liguori

Are you interested in becoming Catholic?

The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process designed for individuals who are interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith. It is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, whether you have never been baptized, were baptized in another Christian tradition, or are a baptized Catholic seeking to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. The OCIA process involves a series of classes, discussions, and prayer experiences that help participants grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith and develop a deeper relationship with God. If you are interested in joining the OCIA, please contact the Religious Education office to learn more.

What can OCIA do for you?

The OCIA.  will prepare you either to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as a baptized adult or prepare you to enter into the Catholic Church by receiving all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation).

OCIA helps fulfills our Lord’s command to His Church, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”

What are the Sacraments of Initiation and who can receive them?

There are three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. An adult entering the Catholic Church receives the three sacraments at one time. Adult Catholics who were not confirmed in their youth may receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at any age. You may find out more information about your particular situation by completing the OCIA Inquirer Form (see below) and contacting the Religious Education office at religioused@saintimothycatholic.org or 305-274-8225.

The Deposit of Faith & the Magisterium

God’s Gift to His Church

Sacred Scripture

The Deposit of Faith

Our catechesis for adults is dedicated to the proclamation of Sacred Scripture, part of the deposit of faith our Lord commended to His Church.

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Sacred Tradition

The Deposit of Faith

Sacred Tradition is also part of the deposit of faith we serve, handed without corruption from generation to generation from Apostolic times to the present day.

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.”
2 Thessalonians 2:15

The Magisterium

The Teaching Authority of the Church

Our catechesis honors and respects the magisterial teaching authority with which our Lord endowed His Church.

“Whoever listens to you listens to Me, and whoever rejects you rejects Me, and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”
Luke 10:16
OCIA is a journey of Faith. This journey of faith should be undertaken with the desire to draw closer to Jesus Christ our Lord.