Are you seeking more for your life?
 Are you thinking about joining the Catholic Church,
 but have questions?

If so, we invite you to join us at OCIA on Monday evenings!

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) offers Christian formation and education to those thinking about joining the Catholic Church.  Through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, initiation into the Christian community is a process of conversion, of metanoia -- a change of heart -- that frees us to accept and be transformed by God's love.

 There is no set amount of time for becoming Catholic
 --and no obligation to do so!
 Movement within the initiation process comes with each person's individual discernment and that of the members of the Christian community journeying with them. Through the following periods of progression, inquirers have their questions answered. 
 If they choose to move forward in the process, they will be prepared to profess their faith in Christ and celebrate
 the Sacraments of Initiation.
  
Inquiry (or Precatechumenate)-a time for presenting questions and identifying issues about Catholicism that may present roadblocks to becoming Catholic.

Catechumenate-a time for exploring more deeply the Word of God and doctrinal issues that flow from the Sunday readings.

Purification and Enlightenment-a time for focusing on the themes of Lent —
 prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — and recognizing our sinfulness, our need for forgiveness, and the magnitude of God’s mercy in anticipation of the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

Mystagogy-a time for reflecting more deeply on our experience of the Sacraments, worship, community, and mission and how we are to live in Christ each and every day.

The OCIA process is also the path for adults baptized in another Christian Church who now wish to be in full communion with the Catholic Church. 
 Movement through this process parallels that of the unbaptized persons (catechumens).  Reverencing their valid Baptism, the Christian candidates celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, make a Profession of Faith,
 and celebrate Confirmation and Eucharist.

OCIA sessions at St Francis of Assisi Church are held on
 Monday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. 

 For more information, contact Kathy Dancey
 at kathydancey@gmail.com or the church office.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AS WELL!

Catechists, Companions, Prayer Companions and Hospitality Hosts
 are all needed. 

Click this link for a description of ways in which you can volunteer.