When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him,
“Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher) “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.”
-(John 1:35-39a)

Pope Saint John Paul II Parish welcomes you as you seek to enrich your faith life and explore the possibility of becoming a Catholic Christian. Our Catholic Community shares and celebrates this journey with you, through a process called: The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

The classes are about an hour and a half long, on Wednesday evenings and begin at 7:00 PM. This is the academic formation of the program. The spiritual formation of the OCIA program is the Sunday dismissal, where students are dismissed from Mass and adjourn with a leader to discuss the scriptures for that Sunday. Participation in both parts of the program is essential. We ask that you make a serious commitment to the program, both the academic and spiritual components. Your participation in OCIA does not require your confirmation, and you are free to discontinue your participation at any time. Please know that regardless of your decision you are always welcome at Pope Saint John Paul II Parish.

If you would like someone to meet you, please call:
Deacon Jason Batalden at (208)221-5730 or email him at [email protected].

What is OCIA?
Catholicism is a way of life and becoming Catholic is a journey in faith. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process, rooted in history, which seeks to do more than simply give interested persons information.
Becoming Catholic involves entering into relationship with a community of God’s people. Our hope is that you will enjoy a deeper relationship with God as you also become acquainted with members of Pope Saint John Paul II Parish and the Church throughout the world.
This is a unique time for you. You will no doubt notice how your own life experiences and beliefs have brought you to this point as you listen to God’s invitation. At the same time, members of the parish are praying for you, attending classes with you, and sharing their own life stories as Catholics.

Who is OCIA for?

• Adults never baptized who might desire to become a Catholic.
• Adults baptized in another Christian church who might desire to become a Catholic.
• Adults baptized Catholic who have not received full reception into the church through the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.
• Adult Catholics who would like to update or deepen the knowledge of their faith.

Common Questions:
How long does it take? The Order of Christian Initiation is not a program of exact timing. It is the gradual process of a spiritual journey which may take a short period of time or a number of years. At Pope Saint John Paul II Catholic Parish we normally offer the OCIA program from the early fall through the winter with the Sacraments of Initiation being received at Easter. The period of Mystagogy is the four weeks following Easter.
What if I was baptized in another church? Once your baptism is verified, you will not be baptized again. In the Rite of Initiation, those who have received baptism will make a profession of faith in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and will receive the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation.
What is the first step? If you are seriously considering becoming a Catholic, or would simply like more information about the Catholic Faith, please contact the parish office at 208-522-4366
What is the process? The Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) is the process by which an interested person becomes a member of the Catholic Church. This is a gradual process within the community of the faithful. It is a spiritual journey. The OCIA, as a rite, marks the various steps on the way to full commitment within the Catholic Church. It includes five specific periods.

The Period of Inquiry:
This initial period allows the individual to become acquainted with the Catholic Church, to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and to reflect on one’s own life and the stirrings of the heart.

The Period of Catechumenate:
Following the Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming (first stage of commitment) this period is for deeper individual conversion and for more in-depth orientation to the Catholic faith.

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment:
Beginning with the Rite of Election this is a period of more intense spiritual preparation and is intended to purify the mind and heart, and to deepen their knowledge of and relationship to Christ.

The Paschal Triduum with the Sacraments of Initiation:
Celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ in the Paschal Triduum at Easter offers the appropriate time for the reception of the individual into the Church with the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.

The Period of Mystagogy:
After the completion of their Christian initiation in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist the individual enters a period of deepening of their understanding of the mysteries of these sacraments, and to enhance their understanding of their new faith. It is a period of deepening their Christian formation and incorporation into the full life of the Christian community.

Some Things to Consider:
Sponsors:
Each Inquirer shares their journey with a Catholic “sponsor.” This individual is a baptized and confirmed Catholic who is at least 16-years-old and is actively celebrating the sacraments. They attend class with you, but that is not as essential as attending Mass with you each week and helping to acquaint you with Pope Saint John Paul II Catholic Parish. If you know of someone with whom you would like to share this experience, please mention this to the OCIA coordinator when they call. At the same time, there are volunteers waiting to serve in this capacity, if you would prefer to have a sponsor from our parish family. We are happy to arrange this for you.

Attendance:
Classes are taught by volunteer teachers and clergy, except during holiday break. Each year many lifelong friendships develop in the class, as we gather to learn and pray together. We recommend that you try to miss no more than two classes in the year. While it is possible to read and make up a session, it is important to be present for the discussions and worship that give the message its fullest impact. This is also true for weekly attendance at Mass on Sundays, a habit which will characterize your life as a Catholic.

Photos and Privacy:
To help learn one another’s names we will ask you for a photo. This can be done at class or you may bring a favorite to be scanned. We would like to share these pictures with the community by posting them in the back of the churches so that our community may pray for you and your journey. If you would prefer that your picture remain private, we will respect that decision.

Cost:
You will be provided materials to help you in your studies. There is no charge for the classes, but if you are able, a gift to help provide the books and supplies for you and others in need is appreciated.

The 1st class of OCIA is on September 11 at Christ the King Hall at 7:00PM
Contact Deacon Jason at dre@ifcatholics.net or (208)2215730