I’m interested in becoming Catholic but I am just not sure and I certainly don’t feel ready to commit to any lengthy program or process. What should I do?
The Precatechumenate or Inquiry Stage is designed to welcome people no matter what their background. These weekly, one hour meetings are spent reflecting on the upcoming Sunday’s Scripture readings and then participating in a Q&A session between inquirers and members of the O.C.I.A. Team. Commitment to continue on towards the next stage of O.C.I.A. is not required.
Understandably, most men and women who come to us are quite concerned with issues of time. They are usually eager to become full members of the Church and most of us in today’s culture want everything to be clear cut, laid out before us to analyze and observe before we approach and commit ourselves. It is crucially important to understand that the life of faith and one’s own journey toward God is unique. Preparedness to enter fully into the Church will be determined by both the individual and the O.C.I.A. Team. Cultivation of a spirit of openness rather than a strict focus on time will prepare one well.
Is it true that a divorced person cannot become Catholic?
Just as many people believe that a divorced Catholic automatically cannot receive the Eucharist and participate in the Sacraments, so too do people believe that a divorced person cannot enter into the Church. This is certainly not true. However, a divorced person currently in a marriage cannot be initiated into the Church. For this reason, divorced people who have remarried are welcomed into the O.C.I.A. process, but they should understand that their full entrance into the Church will be postponed until their marriage situation is reconciled. In the end, it is best to speak to a member of the pastoral staff so as to receive personal advice and direction in what are often emotional and sensitive situations.
My child was never baptized or was baptized in a different Christian denomination, and now he/she wishes to be Catholic. What should I do?
Children under the age of 7 may be baptized and received into the Church once the priest has met with the parents. A child between the ages of 7 and 18 may be enrolled in the O.C.I.C. or the Order of Christian Initiation of Children. This process is very similar to the O.C.I.A., but is directed toward children who have their own special needs and ways of living out their faith
I think I am ready to enter OCIA. Who should I contact?
Know that you are always welcome to contact Deacon Noah Junge at njunge@hcpsb.org. He will meet with you and, through a conversation, begin what we hope will be a life of faith in the Roman Catholic Tradition.
