The journey of becoming Catholic centers on discovering and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. This lifelong path of learning and growth begins with your first steps toward faith and continues throughout your entire life. The heart of Catholic life beats strongest at Sunday Mass, where we gather as a community to experience the unfolding story of Jesus through an annual cycle of readings, prayers, and celebrations that reveal the full depth and meaning of our faith.
For adults seeking to join the Catholic Church, we offer the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly known as RCIA). This spiritual journey is designed for those who feel called by the Holy Spirit to seek the living God and enter into a life of faith and conversion. Each person's path is unique, shaped by God's grace, their personal response to that grace, the Church's guidance, and the circumstances of their life.
The process unfolds naturally, without rigid timelines. Instead of focusing on "completing" OCIA, we emphasize beginning to live as a Catholic right away. The journey involves learning about Catholic beliefs and practices, participating in the Church community, developing a prayer life, and gradually embracing Catholic traditions and values. Throughout this time, you'll be accompanied by experienced Catholics who will guide you, answer your questions, and support your growth in faith.
For children between the ages of seven and seventeen who weren't baptized as infants, we offer an adapted version of the Order of Christian Initiation. This process uniquely involves the whole family, allowing parents and children to grow in faith together. Parents and godparents actively participate in the entire journey alongside their children, creating a shared experience of faith formation.
The catechumenate process serves as a comprehensive introduction to Catholic life, but it's important to understand that learning about our faith never truly ends. Every Catholic continues to deepen their understanding and relationship with God throughout their lifetime. The initial formation period varies for each person, adapting to individual needs and circumstances while ensuring a solid foundation in Catholic teaching and practice.
If you feel drawn to explore becoming Catholic, you can begin taking steps today. Consider attending Mass as an observer, reading about Catholic teachings, or reaching out to our dedicated team who can guide you through your first steps. Our experienced coordinators, Catherine Collins (505-470-1385) and Debbie Maestas (575-770-2449), are available to meet with you, answer your questions, and help you begin your journey in faith.
Remember, becoming Catholic isn't just about learning facts or completing requirements—it's about entering into a deeper relationship with God and joining a community of believers who support each other in living out their faith. We welcome you to explore this path and discover the rich traditions, meaningful practices, and profound truths of Catholic Christianity.