Becoming Catholic

Initiation Ministry is a process for the initiation of new members into the Catholic Church.  Formerly known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) and now often referred to as OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation), this ministry assists those adults who are baptized Catholic but would like to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist and those who want to become Catholic or learn more about the Catholic Faith.

It is a gradual process that takes place with the community of faith.  This process is a spiritual journey of adults who come to know the love of God through reflection on the Paschal Mystery.  Each individual's journey is unique and through this process, we work with each person's situation to help each person see God's action in his or her life.  Call Michelle Tomshack, Director of Evangelization,  to learn more.   

Initiation Ministry is a process of reflection, faith-sharing, exploration, and faith formation for those seeking God, inquiring about the Catholic faith, or baptized Catholics seeking to complete their Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist).  Seekers and inquirers can be non-baptized adults who desire to learn more about the Roman Catholic Church  or they may be baptized adult Christians who desire to learn about the Roman Catholic Church.

Any person, adult or child, who is over 7 but has not been baptized,  who desires to learn about or join the Church are invited into the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, participants are introduced to the prayers and sacraments, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.  Separate groups and sessions are held for children and adults so each group can learn on their own level at their own pace.

Adults who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.

If you are interested in becoming Catholic or in learning more about the Catholic Church while discerning about joining the Catholic Church, contact Michelle Tomshack at 757-229-3631 ext. 2309 or [email protected]

Initiation into the Catholic Church is, first of all, discernment process.  Joining this process does not mean you are committed to becoming Catholic.  If you are still praying and thinking about it, come and see.  Come and learn about our faith and our Church and then prayerfully decide.  

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" 
 They said to him, "Rabbi, where are you staying?" 
 He said to them, "Come and you will see."  

John 1:38-39