Your journey
An invitation to encounter Christ.
The Church does not ask you to run. She asks you to walk — with others, through sacred time, toward a mystery that is larger than any one of us.
The stages below follow the Church's structure of Christian initiation. At St. Mary, OCIA is conversion-focused, and the Church celebrates that conversion through prayerful rites.
01
Inquiry
Precatechumenate
A season of questions. You are invited to come, listen, and explore the Catholic faith without pressure or expectation. This is a time to be known, to wonder, and to see whether this path is for you.
02
Catechumenate
Catechumenate
A longer season of formation. Those who wish to continue are accompanied more deeply into Scripture, the Creed, the sacraments, and the life of the parish — learning not only what the Church believes, but how she lives.
03
Purification & Enlightenment
Illuminatio
Typically unfolding in Lent, this is a time of more intense prayer, examination of heart, and preparation for the sacraments of initiation. The Church walks with you toward Easter.
04
Sacraments of Initiation
Initiatio
At the Easter Vigil, those who are ready may receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist — entering fully into the life of the Catholic Church. The night is ancient, luminous, and unlike any other.
05
Mystagogy
Mystagogia
The journey does not end at the font. Mystagogy is the unfolding of the mysteries you have received — learning to live as a Catholic among the people who have become your parish family.
01
Inquiry
Precatechumenate
A season of questions. You are invited to come, listen, and explore the Catholic faith without pressure or expectation. This is a time to be known, to wonder, and to see whether this path is for you.
02
Catechumenate
Catechumenate
A longer season of formation. Those who wish to continue are accompanied more deeply into Scripture, the Creed, the sacraments, and the life of the parish — learning not only what the Church believes, but how she lives.
03
Purification & Enlightenment
Illuminatio
Typically unfolding in Lent, this is a time of more intense prayer, examination of heart, and preparation for the sacraments of initiation. The Church walks with you toward Easter.
04
Sacraments of Initiation
Initiatio
At the Easter Vigil, those who are ready may receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist — entering fully into the life of the Catholic Church. The night is ancient, luminous, and unlike any other.
05
Mystagogy
Mystagogia
The journey does not end at the font. Mystagogy is the unfolding of the mysteries you have received — learning to live as a Catholic among the people who have become your parish family.
A note on freedom
You may leave the path. You may linger on it.
OCIA is not a contract. If you need more time, you will be given it. If you discern that this is not your hour, you will be blessed on your way. The Church's first gift is hospitality — not pressure.
Quaerite et invenietis
You need not arrive certain.
Begin a conversation. Bring the questions you actually have.
Or write to us on the contact page.