How the Process Works

It’s important to note that while the OCIA process is very communal, it’s also very personal.  Don’t worry if someone is at a different step than you…you aren’t being left behind!

Step 1:  Marriage

-Do you need an annulment?  I can help you set up a meeting with a priest to

get started on this.  The length of this process can vary, depending

on the case, so make sure to start as early as possible!

            -Does my marriage need blessed in the Church?  Depending on the status

                        of your marriage (who/where/how), it may require a convalidation. A

                        priest will be able to answer these questions for you. I will check with

                        them on this and let you know!

Step 2:  Inquiry

-These are the sessions on Thursday night.  They are a time to grow in

prayer, ask questions, and learn more about the Catholic faith.

            -They are intended to help you discern if you are to take the next step in

becoming Catholic.

Step 3:  Rite of Entrance/Rite of Welcome

            -These Rites are intended for you to make a public profession before

the parish community (at Mass) stating you want to come into full

Communion with the Church.

            -May still continue catechesis

-Rite of Entrance: for those unbaptized

-Rite of Welcome: for those baptized

Step 4:  Catechumenate

            -A time for deeper understanding for what God is saying to you in

                        Scripture and a time to examine what needs to be changed in your                               

     life to answer God’s call more fully.

Step 5: Rite of Sending/Election

            -These Rites are intended to let the parish community know you are

                        beginning the final stages of preparation before initiation.

                        -Rite of Sending: at the parish during Mass, recognized by Priest

                        -Rite of Election: at cathedral in Dodge City, recognition by Bishop

            -You are now expected to join the Church at the Easter Celebrations

Step 6:  Purification & Enlightenment

            -Final preparations take place for initiation; Candidates will receive the

                        Sacrament of Reconciliation

Step 7:  Initiation & Mystagogy

            -Receive the Sacraments of Initiation

            - “Unpacking” the experiences of initiation and preparing to live as a

fully initiated Catholic; Mystagogy extends to Pentecost