OCIA - Becoming Catholic

Interested in Joining the Catholic Faith?

Jesus is always drawing people to Himself so that they can share in His divine life and live life to the full.

The Catholic Church is the Body of Christ and is founded by Jesus himself to continue his message and ministry of God’s love.

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process in which people become Catholic and fully united to God the Father, through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Want to know what Catholics believe or what is involved in becoming a Catholic?

At Catholic Parish of Christchurch North, we offer those who are interested – or just curious about the Catholic Faith – the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what it means to be Catholic.

If you feel like you would like to know more about the purpose and meaning of the faith or what it involves to be a Catholic, do not hesitate to contact either Dan Martin or Alex Chia (contact details below).

How do I become Catholic?

To become Catholic, a person is Baptised in the name of “the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” and receives the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist.

If someone is already Baptised, they do not get re-baptised but receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

These sacraments of Christian initiation are normally received at Easter but can be received at another time if the individual feels like they are not ready to receive these Sacraments at Easter.

What is the process of becoming Catholic?

In the Catholic Church the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a process in which an individual journeys through to become a full member of the Catholic faith. This journey is something not to be rushed.

After a period of initial inquiry, OCIA normally takes about 9 months and tends to starts in the middle of the calendar year.

OCIA involves a weekly session during the school terms and incorporates prayer, reflection and teaching in a group environment. The journey towards Baptism is a period of exploring, learning, growing and discerning.

Exploring who Jesus is, what He said and what He did.
Learning about the Church teaching that flows from the life of Jesus.
Growing in a personal relationship with Jesus, our friend and personal Lord and Saviour.
Discerning God’s will in your life and where He is leading you.

The journey is not one that is taken by oneself but one in which you share your journey with others guided by an OCIA team. In a general sense you are supported by the whole Parish as the community of faith. If both you and the Church community discern that it is Baptism that you truly desire and you are ready for it, then you will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, just like those in the very early Church.