Becoming Catholic involves entering into relationship with a community of God’s people. Our hope is that you will enjoy a deeper relationship with God as you also become acquainted with St. John the Baptist parishioners and the Church throughout the world. Your OCIA journey will be a unique time for you. You will no doubt notice how your own life experiences and beliefs have brought you to this point as you listen to God’s invitation to explore the Catholic faith. At the same time, members of the parish are praying for you, attending sessions with you, and sharing their own life stories as Catholics.

WHO IS OCIA FOR?

• Adults never baptized who might desire to become a Catholic.
• Children 7 years of age and older, never baptized, who are looking to become Catholic. 
• Adults baptized in another Christian tradition who might desire to become a Catholic.
• Adults baptized Catholic who have not received full initiation through the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.​

For unbaptized children age 7 years or older

This form of the Order of Christian Initiation is intended for children who were not baptized as infants, and who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age. They seek Christian initiation either at the direction of their parents or guardians or, with parental permission, on their own initiative. Such children are capable of receiving and nurturing a personal faith and of recognizing an obligation in conscience. But they cannot yet be treated as adults because, at this stage of their lives, they are dependent on their parents or guardians and are still strongly influenced by their companions and their social surroundings. (OCIA #252)

The Christian initiation of these children requires both a conversion that is personal and somewhat developed, in proportion to their age, and the assistance of the education they need. The process of initiation thus must be adapted both to their spiritual progress, that is, to the children’s growth in faith, and to the catechetical instruction they receive through OCIA for Children. 

If you would like to learn more about the OCIA process  at St. John, whether for yourself or for someone you know, please contact Deacon Mike Stewart 734-241-1644 or dcnmike@stmarymonroe.org