Faith Formation - Adult

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)

OCIA is a process by which adult persons interested in Baptism are prepared for new life. It is also the process used for those who have already been baptized to prepare for a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church and enter into full communion. Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Church is also welcome. Volunteers are asked to be sponsors, leaders, presenters, and hospitality. Contact: Mary Bowman, 308-234-5536, mary@stjameschurchkearney.org

How Do I Become Catholic? 

Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the official Rite of the Catholic Church for welcoming new members and for offering information to inquirers.

What is OCIA? Its aim is to help people grow in knowledge, faith and prayer so that they can make a mature and free response to God's call. The Second Vatican Council restored the order of the Catechumenate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It outlines the steps for the formation of catechumens, bringing their conversion to the faith to a greater maturity. It helps them respond more deeply to God's gracious initiative in their lives and prepares them for union with the Church community. This process is meant to form catechumens into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher. This includes an initiation into the mystery of salvation, the practice of faith, hope, and love, and other virtues in a succession of liturgical rites.

Persons baptized into another Christian church and now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are also welcomed to participate along with catechumens in the OCIA in the process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith. They bring to the process of preparation their prior experience of Christian life and prayer. For a baptized Christian, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church involves receiving the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and then a Profession of Faith followed by the celebration of Confirmation and the Eucharist.

The Church Teaches: There are seven sacraments. They were instituted by Christ and given to the Church to administer. They are necessary for salvation. The sacraments are the vehicles of grace which they convey. They are validly administered by the carrying out of the sign with the proper intention. Not all are equally qualified to administer all the sacraments. The validity of the sacrament is independent of the worthiness of the minister. Three sacraments imprint an indelible character.

Sacramentals are instituted by the Church and are effective by virtue of the Church's intercession. Institution and alteration of them is reserved to the Holy See.
 
Sponsors: Fully initiated Catholics in good standing with the church who agrees to “mentor” a candidate by attending the weekly sessions and participating in the Rites.
Team Member: Works with the director to plan and facilitate activities of the RCIA.
Child Care: This minister takes care of a child or children of a candidate during the weekly classes. You must have completed the Safe Environment training and background check.
Refreshments: Volunteers provide refreshments (snacks) for OCIA class times.
Contact: Mary Bowman, 308-234-5536

RCIA and you.pdf

RICA

RICA es un proceso de estudio para adultos interesados en hacerse Catolicos. Los adultos estaran preparandose para la recepcion de los Sacramentos de Iniciacion: (Bautismo, Confirmacion, y Eucaristia) Todos estaran bienvenidos a unirse a nosotros en este viaje a una fe mas profunda y una vida llena de la Gracia de Dios.

Marriage Prep Team

Marriage preparation is the responsibility of the community. Married couples are trained on how to lead engaged couples using the materials from Evermore In Love. Participation in this ministry requires special training provided by the parish. Contact: Mary Bowman 308-234-5536 or mary@stjameschurchkearney.org