Question 1

What time are the sessions? When and where do you meet?

Accepted Answer

We gather every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the School Library on the second floor.

Question 2

How much does the program cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge to participate. We simply ask that you share in the life of the parish through your time and talent — volunteering, serving the community, and helping with parish festival raffle ticket sales.

Question 3

Do I need a sponsor or godparent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each participant is accompanied by one sponsor throughout the program. A sponsor must be at least 16 years of age and be a fully initiated, practicing Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. The sponsor should regularly attend Mass and receive Holy Communion. If married, the sponsor must be married in accordance with the laws of the Catholic Church. In addition, the sponsor must strive to live a life in harmony with the teachings of the Gospel and the Catholic Church and be willing to support the candidate in living an active Catholic life. By accepting this role, the sponsor commits to encouraging the candidate's spiritual growth and helping them live out the faith in accordance with the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church. A parent may not serve as their child's sponsor. If you do not know someone who meets these qualifications, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist you in finding a sponsor.

Question 4

Am I committing to anything by inquiring?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. The inquiry period exists precisely so you can ask questions without any obligation. You decide whether to take each next step, and you are free to pause or step away at any time.

Question 5

How long will it take?*

Accepted Answer

That depends on where you are starting. If you have not been baptized, the U.S. bishops call for a full liturgical year of formation so that you experience Advent, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time as the Church lives them. If you are already living a Christian life, preparation is usually shorter and shaped around you.

Question 6

Do I have to wait until August or September to start?

Accepted Answer

If you have not been baptized, no. OCIA is meant to be a year-round journey rather than an academic-year program, so reach out whenever you are ready.If you have already been baptized, this path follows a fuller catechetical program that typically begins in August or September and concludes with the celebration of the sacraments in May or June.

Question 7

I was baptized in another Christian church. Do I need to be baptized again?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. The Catholic Church recognizes valid baptism in most other Christian communities and never repeats it, so you would be received into full communion rather than baptized again. Confirming your baptism is one of the first things our team will help you with.

Question 8

I am divorced, or married outside the Church. Can I still participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please mention it early so our initiation team can walk through it with you. Many situations are resolved more simply than people expect, and the conversation is always confidential and pastoral.

Question 9

Do I need to believe everything already?

Accepted Answer

No. Formation is exactly where faith grows. What matters is sincerity — a willingness to seek, to learn, and to let your life be shaped by what you find. The goal is not passing a test of knowledge; it is coming to know Christ.

Question 10

What if I am not sure I will go through with it?

Accepted Answer

That is an entirely normal place to begin. Inquiry exists for discernment, and the Church would far rather you take the time you need than rush a decision of this importance.

Question 11

Which parish should I join?

Accepted Answer

Generally the parish where you live. That said, if you worship at another Catholic church or have ties to another Catholic community, just let us know. Sometimes our meeting day and time is simply the most convenient option — and that is perfectly fine. All are welcome.

Thinking About Becoming Catholic — or Completing Your Sacraments?

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Pathway

Your Situation

Sacraments Needed

Typical Duration*

When You Can Begin

Never Been Baptized

You have never been baptized. You will prepare for Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist — the three Sacraments of Initiation — celebrated together at the Easter Vigil, the evening before Easter Sunday.

Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion

Two-year program

Year-round

Baptized Elsewhere

You were baptized in another Christian community, such as Lutheran, Anglican, or Orthodox. You are already a Christian, so you will prepare to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church, along with Confirmation and Eucharist.

Confirmation and First Communion

One-year program

August/September through May/June

Baptized Catholic

You were baptized Catholic but never received Confirmation or First Communion. You will prepare to complete your initiation and deepen your life as a disciple.

Confirmation, First Communion, or both

One-year program

August/September through May/June

Frequently asked questions

What time are the sessions? When and where do you meet?

How much does the program cost?

Do I need a sponsor or godparent?

Am I committing to anything by inquiring?

How long will it take?*

Do I have to wait until August or September to start?

I was baptized in another Christian church. Do I need to be baptized again?

I am divorced, or married outside the Church. Can I still participate?

Do I need to believe everything already?

What if I am not sure I will go through with it?

Which parish should I join?

Reach Out or Register Today!

Meet The Team

Desi & Ervin Ortiz

OCIA Coordinators

Christian Fuentes

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