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Becoming Catholic at St. Alphonsus Liguori
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Your journey of faith is as individual to you as your fingerprint. We all come to know the love of Christ through various avenues, but we all show up at the same place – at the foot of the cross. If you were baptized Catholic and are coming back or were raised with no faith whatsoever – welcome! We are excited to journey with you.
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a long title, which really describes the process you go through to become Catholic. OCIA is a combination of hearing the truth about Jesus, learning about the Church, learning how to pray and learning how to live a Christian life of virtue and service. The four stages of OCIA (see below) can trace their roots to the 4th century to St. Cyril of Jerusalem.
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2026 Easter Vigil
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What is the process?
Becoming Catholic (OCIA) is not just about going to classes and checking boxes. Over the course of the preparation process, you will develop a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, grow in community, learn about the Church and her teachings, and become incorporated into this family of faith through the Sacraments of Initiation. Our hope is that after you have completed the process, you will not only be a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church, you will also have a community of brothers and sisters in Christ.Do I have to become Catholic to attend?
No. OCIA is simply an invitation to learn and grow in faith. There is no expectation or requirement that you become Catholic. It's a time of discernment to determine where God is calling you.Who Comes to Becoming Catholic (OCIA)?
- Any baptized or unbaptized Catholic over the age of reason (age 7) who are in need of one or all of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and/or Confirmation).
- Any baptized or unbaptized person who seeks to join the Church from another faith tradition or no faith tradition.
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For Sponsors...
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2026 - 27 Schedule
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Confirmation
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Resources & Prayers
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Baptism
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The 4 Steps on Your Journey to Becoming Catholic
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The precatechumenate or inquiry stage starts when you feel that first tug that there must be something more in life. You find yourself curious and wanting to learn more about God. When you feel the spirit move you to the Catholic faith, you contact St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church.
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Catechumenate (preparing to be Catholic): The catechumenate stage technically begins in August but it "officially" begins after you go through the Rite for Entrance at Mass. Catechumenate comes from the Latin catechumenus, meaning "one being instructed" in the teachings of the Church. This is the stage you enter when you have made the conscience choice to learn the teachings of the Catholic Church. You have the intent to become Catholic, but it is still an unfolding process.
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Purification and Enlightenment is an intense preparation period during Lent. This stage starts with the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent. This rite is only for those individuals who have no doubt they want to continue and become Catholic. It is at this stage that you will experience the most intense part of your preparation before your official entry into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.
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Initiation and Mystagogia (interpreting the mysteries):
We continue to meet as a group for 4 sessions after the Easter Vigil. This is a time for reflection and preparation for your lifelong faith journey as a Catholic.This stage might be the end of the process, but it is just the beginning of your faith journey. Like a newly-sprouted plant, if you do not continue to drink from the well of Jesus through prayer, study and frequenting the Sacraments, your new faith will shrivel. We will help you transition to the next stage of your faith journey through community, prayer and lifelong learning.
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How long does Becoming Catholic (OCIA) last?
- Becoming Catholic for Adults: Sessions meet throughout the year. The length of time it takes to fully convert varies for each person but typically takes a year. We meet Sunday mornings at 9am.
- Becoming Catholic for Children and Teens: Youth sessions follow the religious education calendar (September - April) and meet 9 - 10:15am on Sundays.
- Adult Confirmation: If you are over 19, have received your First Communion and are a practicing Catholic in need of Confirmation, fill out the form below. We have ongoing classes to help you prepare.
How do I get started?
Fill out the form by clicking the button below and someone will be in touch about how to get started. No commitment required. Simply come and see!
Inquiry Form
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Baptism
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2026 Easter Fire
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Contact Us
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Christina Steelecsteelezionsvillecatholic.comAssociate Director of Adult Evangelization & Liturgy Coordinator
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