Become Catholic

Every year thousands of people are drawn to the Catholic Church, and each one has their own special story. Each is called by different experiences and circumstances.

St Augustine, a great Saint of the Church said, “Our hearts are restless O Lord, until they rest in you.” The desire for God is written in the human heart because humankind is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw all humankind to himself. Only in God will we find the truth and happiness we long for.

Any journey towards the Church is primarily a journey toward God. This journey toward God is found through Jesus Christ. He is the “Word made Flesh,” as St John says (Jn 1:14.). He reveals God to us: “To see me is to see the Father” (Jn 14:9).

OCIA, which may also be referred to as ‘the Catechumenate’, is a process of Christian formation offered to those who seek to become Catholic.

The initiation of new members is a gradual process allowing inquirers time to grow in faith and become full participants of the Catholic community. The catechumenal journey or OCIA process is marked by three major liturgical rites. These rites act as key gateways along the way. Each major rite is preceded and followed by a period of maturing faith.

OCIA is for all those seeking to become members of the Catholic Church: 

• adults who have never been baptized,

• adults who have not been baptized in any Christian denomination, and
  

• adults who have been baptized in another Christian denomination.

St. Thomas More offers a session in the spring of each year for adults who have been baptized in the Catholic Church but need the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.  

The unbaptized and those not baptized in a Christian denomination who are suitably prepared are joyfully received into the Catholic Church by the reception of the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. This takes place at the Easter Vigil.

Those already baptized in a Christian faith, following a period of preparation, are welcomed into Full Communion with the Catholic Church by the reception of the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. This may take place at a suitable time during the liturgical year.

Who will accompany me on the OCIA journey?

Members of our faith community (parish) support you on your OCIA journey through prayer, Christian witness, and fellowship.

The Bishop of Raleigh, the Most Reverend Luis Rafael Zarama, as part of his overall pastoral care of the Diocese, actively promotes the Catechumenate (OCIA). Bishop Zarama normally welcomes the new members by presiding at the Rite of Election during Lent.

Our Pastor, Fr Rafael León and other parish clergy play a special role in ministering to the pastoral and spiritual care of those on the journey and those who are accompanying them.

A team of catechists guide the formation process of those in the OCIA group along with our parish clergy (priests and deacons). As those in formation share their experience of God in their own lives, catechists guide them to a deeper reflection on the Word of God and greater understanding of the faith of the Catholic Church.

Your sponsor or godparent will be by your side throughout your faith journey as well. 

Sponsors:
The role of a sponsor is one of a spiritual friend, of support and care. Sponsors are members of our faith community who take an active and supportive role as companions, witnesses, and guides for those seeking to join the Catholic Church through OCIA. You may have a Catholic friend or colleague who could also act as a sponsor.

Godparents:
Godparents have a special role that goes beyond the timeframe of the OCIA journey. As part of OCIA, godparents play an especially important role during the liturgical rites such as Rite of Election and Sacraments of Initiation. A Godparent must be over 16 years of age and have fully completed their Christian Initiation into the Catholic Church.