Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
OCIA is designed for those who are considering joining the Catholic Church through celebrating the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. The process welcomes adults who have never been baptized and those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition.
“I will go peaceably and firmly to the Catholic Church: for if Faith is so important to our salvation,
I will seek it where true Faith first began, seek it among those who received it from God Himself.”
—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Each year we are blessed with a number of individuals who desire to enter and learn more about the Catholic faith. This class is offered for adults in one of the three following situations:
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Un-baptized adults who desire to be baptized in the Catholic Church;
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Baptized non-Catholic Christians who desire to be formally admitted into communion with the Catholic Church;
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Baptized Catholics who have not yet been confirmed and desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The class meets beginning in September at the Church.
Adult baptism takes place at St. John Cantius Church during the Easter Vigil at 10:00 p.m. on Holy Saturday.
If you have questions or would like to register, contact Fr. Andrew Panzer.
Hear From Recent Converts at St. John Cantius
"I've been looking for a spiritual home that focussed the authentic unadulterated message of Jesus. I found that at St. John Cantius. Experiencing Corpus Christi and Fatima processions in person convinced me I finally found what I was looking for."
-Josh
What was the turning point for you in wanting to become Catholic?
I grew up attending a Protestant church, where I found the Protestant idea and practice of "worship" seeming to be inconsistent with the true meaning of the word. In search of the absolute truth, I listened to podcasts; had conversations with Protestant, Catholic, and atheist friends; read Scripture and writings of the Early Church Fathers; and studied church history. After proactively researching what "Truth" is, I came to the conclusion, with the Grace of God, that the Catholic Church was truly the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. The pivotal moment for my conversion to Catholicism was learning about the Eucharist, the Real Presence, and understanding that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the center of the Catholic faith.
Why did you come to St. John Cantius?
Prior to entering in full communion with the Body of Christ and during my search for the absolute truth, I wanted to, at the bare minimum, consistently attend the House of our Lord and hear the teachings of those who were acting "in persona Christi". I found the St. John Cantius Church after receiving a recommendation from my friend, who would later become my Confirmation sponsor, to attend the Sunday 12:30pm High Latin Mass. I was immediately awestruck by the beauty, solemnity, and peace that is present in the Mass. I was also attracted to the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius and their motto: "The Restoration of the Sacred", as well as the accompanying story of how the St. John Cantius Church came to where it is today
- Anonymous
I wanted to become Catholic because I kept meeting people of faith and realized I wanted what they had...
- a community of people with a deep, open, abiding faith in God and love for Jesus
- a place to be with others of faith and worship, learn, serve, celebrate and support others
- conservative values with open hearts
I came to St.John Cantius after starting the process elsewhere. The experience of SJC was what I wanted. When I didn't find it at first I almost gave up. Then, a friend recommended SJC. She went on to become my sponsor and Godmother!
I found what I was looking for in SJC, starting with RCIA and continuing with the classmates, congregation, and priests. God is everywhere. SJC is the place where I can always find him.
- Jenny
What was the turning point for you in wanting to become Catholic?
When I decided to explore Christianity, I went to a cousin's protestant church. Though there was love for Christ there, it was unfulfilling; the sermon focused on worldly matters and some of the rituals were silly, like having the parishioners stand up and hug themselves. It felt like an echo of the soulfulness of Christianity. Cantius is gorgeous. There's an enormous respect for true beauty, beauty that reflects God's grace. I attended Mass for several months, off and on, while I tiptoed into the Catholic faith. Not once did I hear a homily that was politicized; the priests focused on the Gospels and Epistles while speaking to the people, seeking to draw from the wisdom of God and help illuminate the faithful. I knew I was being drawn more deeply into the fulfilling richness of God's will.
Why did you come to St. John Cantius?
A friend was attending. I didn't have much experience with Catholic churches, but God brought me to the right one. I don't know of any other church in the city that regularly performs the traditional Latin Mass and Cantius has an entire brotherhood of canons to attend to the needs of the laity. Evey brother I've met has been warm, welcoming, and driven. There is a sense among the parishioners that they are here not merely to fulfill an obligation, but to give themselves entirely to Christ's love.
- Kevin