Becoming Catholic or
Completing Your Sacraments

“The definitive aim of catechesis is. . . to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.”  On Catechesis in our Time, 5

 

Information on Becoming Catholic or Completing Your Sacraments

To be Catholic means to be pursuing a life fully alive in Christ. This means pursuing Jesus in personal prayer and especially in the sacrament,  building community in the Church, placing your whole life at the disposal of Jesus, and striving to live a life of holiness, as laid out for us by Jesus in the Scriptures and Holy Tradition.

The life of a Catholic Christian is a radical life, make no mistake. But it is also the most joy-filled, amazing life you could possibly live!

The question: "What does it look like for me to be Catholic?" Well, that's a question that only God can answer!

How do I become Catholic?

Becoming Catholic is a process that involves building your own personal relationship with Jesus, investing in the Church community, receiving knowledge of Christ and His Church, and going through several different 'rites' to become 'fully initiated.'

For those who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination, at the end of your journey you will receive your first Holy Communion and Confirmation.

If you have never been baptized, you will go through the same process, but you will also be received into the Church first through baptism.

Being Catholic, however, is a lifelong pursuit! 

If you would like more information about becoming Catholic through the OCIA program, please contact Michael Lewandowski at 630-718-2156 or [email protected].

What is "OCIA"?  (formerly RCIA)

OCIA (which stands for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly RCIA) is the official name for the process of becoming Catholic. This involves teachings, classes, meetings with a sponsor, rites within Mass, and finally, receiving your sacraments in the Church!

Our sessions are designed to give participants as broad and deep an understanding of the Catholic Faith as possible in our limited time.  We focus on four main pillars: The Creed, the Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer. Each session also explores some of the Catholic tradition of prayer and spirituality. We try to answer not only what Catholics believe, but why. The sessions offer you much information, but are also question-driven. Classes normally begin in late August and continue into the Spring.

How long does it take to become Catholic?

This depends on each person. Most people invest at least a year—it takes a long time to learn what it means to be Catholic, as well as to wrestle with questions and build relationships within the Church. But there is no set timetable and no rush. Some poeple take one year, others take three or even many more! What matters is that you are walking in lockstep with God—He will reveal the right timing for you. At no point in the process are you committed to completing all of it, nor of becoming Catholic.

Classes normally begin in late August and continue into the Spring.

What if I am already Catholic but am missing some Sacraments?