ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC?
Are you interested in becoming a Catholic or thinking of becoming one? If so, then OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) may be for you. The first step in the OCIA process is called Inquiry. Inquiry sessions are a chance for you to come and ask questions about the Catholic faith and what the OCIA involves. There is no commitment necessary and no pressure if you attend. If you are interested or know someone else who is, please contact the church or email bpetrovich@smapgh.org The Inquiry phase begins in early September.
“The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come, and you will see.’” (John 1:37-39)
The Catholic faith begins with a choice to follow Jesus Christ within the Catholic Church. Some people are first drawn to the Church through the good example or ‘something beautiful’ we witness in a family member, friend, or coworker. Others begin from a commitment to justice for the poor and needy. While one person may be attracted by the beauty of Catholic worship, another could discover the beauty of Catholic doctrine without having yet set foot in a church. Whatever may have sparked your interest in Catholicism, we invite you to learn more with us, not only through the resources we share on this web page but more importantly, in person with our parish community.
HOW DO I BECOME CATHOLIC?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process given by the Church for the formation of adults in the faith. OCIA is an opportunity for you to share your faith journey with others, to learn about the Catholic faith, and to experience the life of the Church community. Beginning a time of prayer and study through the OCIA is not a commitment to join the Roman Catholic Church, although this is the process through which persons who eventually discern the call to do so will be initiated into the Catholic faith. Jesus gently invites each of us, saying to those who are searching, “Come, and you will see.” We want to welcome you to travel with us and encourage you to bring us your questions and hopes.
Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands of men and women are received into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new members through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at a liturgy bringing men and women into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Congratulations and Welcome to our newest members!