Ministries:
Faith Formation for Adults
The Office of Adult Faith Formation serves adults seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ and His Church. Through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and ongoing formation opportunities, we support those journeying toward full communion in the Catholic faith and those continuing their lifelong conversion. Our goal is to nurture mature disciples who live and witness their faith in daily life.
Director of Faith Formation
Kerri Frantz
Are you interested in becoming Catholic?
Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic faith? Seeking out information does not commit or oblige you to become Catholic, although we are happy to provide you with information and walk with you on your faith journey.
What if I think that I want to become Catholic?
God calls and we respond. Through the process of Christian initiation, men and women at all stages of the faith journey come together in a non-threatening and non-pressured atmosphere to learn more about the Catholic Church. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process by which men and women become members of the Catholic Church.
The process takes place within the context of the church community, and after a suitable period of formation, culminates in the reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. The Catholic Church honors the baptism of those who have already been baptized with the Trinitarian formula and it is not necessary for them to be baptized again.
OCIA provides a forum for shared spiritual growth and a means to explore the Catholic Christian tradition through Scripture, sacraments, Church teaching and social outreach, all in the midst of the Catholic faith community. Formation includes several areas:
Scripture: The stories of God’s people
Teaching: What Catholics believe
Prayer: How we communicate with God
Liturgy: How the community worships
Mission: How we live out what we believe
Who may attend OCIA?
The process of initiation is for adults who are any of the following:
Unbaptized and want to become Catholic Christians through the sacrament of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist;
Baptized Christians (in another faith tradition or Catholic) who want full sacramental membership in the Roman Catholic Church through confirmation and Eucharist;
Attend a Catholic Church with a loved one or spouse and are not sure if the Catholic Church is for them, but are willing to ask questions;
Children who have reached the age of reason (about seven years).
To become a Catholic is not to leave off thinking, but to learn how to think.
How long does it take to become a Catholic?
It takes “as long as it takes.” Becoming a Catholic is ongoing and is life-long commitment. The process usually takes approximately a year but may take less or more time depending on the individual.
Those who opt to begin the process meet once a week and begin to attend Sunday Mass. Those who are ready to make the commitment to become members of the Catholic Church usually do so at the Easter Vigil or at other times throughout the year. For details on the OCIA process, see OCIA Steps.
What if I change my mind?
By coming to inquire and finding out what is involved one is not making a commitment. During the first few months one is free to leave at any time. One may take all the time needed before making any commitment. There is no pressure and one should feel free to decide when one is ready to make such a commitment.
How do I join an OCIA process?
If you want to learn more about becoming Catholic, contact the Catholic church nearest you and participate in OCIA. For more information, go to Diocese of Shreveport Parish Directory.
Text adapted with permission from the Diocese of Little Rock.
Resources for those beginning the journey:
Catholic Answers is a media ministry that answers questions about what the Church really teaches.
Formed guides Catholics and those they evangelize to a fully Catholic life through faith-informed content. Many parishes offer a complimentary subscription to parishioners, or you may subscribe individually.