Order of Catholic Initiation of Adults Contact: Sister Marietta Jansen Email: s.marietta@juno.com Phone Number: 714-6833 "As you come to know us, you will discover that although Jesus didn’t offer any easy answers, he did give his followers a framework for living and loving the questions. The very questions which right now might seem like your heaviest burden are actually your greatest resources." (Julie Upton, R.S.M.) Initiating new members is the responsibility of the entire Parish Community. The Parishioners are the welcoming community of people convinced that Jesus is the Good News for others. We welcome your questions about this journey of faith. Basic Concepts of the OICA. Conversion is a process. Becoming Catholic is coming into a community of believers. The OCIA takes place in an experience of community. The OCIA stages are celebrated in community with appropriate liturgical rites. The OCIA experience follows the flow of the liturgical seasons through a lectionary-based approach. The OCIA process encourages authentic Catholicism.

What Parishioners can do: Sponsor. A Sponsor is an active, confirmed Catholic who ministers in a special way on behalf of the Parish Community to an individual seeking membership through the OCIA process. The sponsor walks with the friend, witness and spiritual guide. They are the link between the newcomers and the Parish Community. Sponsors provide encouragement. answer questions, pray with and for the newcomers, introduce newcomer to other members of the community, participate with newcomers in as many sessions as possible. A parishioner can become a prayer partner by praying regularly during the year for one of the Catechumens or Candidates. We need your prayers to help us along the journey. Catechist/Guest Speaker. Members of the Parish Community who are willing to share their faith story and their lived experiences as Catholics with the Catechumens and the Candidates. Team Member. Team members volunteer time and talents as catechists, speakers, liturgy planners, hospitality, etc. Let us know what you enjoy doing and we will find a spot for you.