Become Catholic!
SUMMER 2025
Summertime Adult Confirmation Preparation: Are you a baptized Catholic who is receiving the Holy Eucharist but has not been fully initiated into the Catholic faith through the Sacrament of Confirmation? We want to confirm you this summer!
What do you need to do? Open your heart to God the Holy Spirit and join us for three sessions of preparation: June 16, June 30, July 14 at 7pm at St. Jane.
Confirmation will be celebrated late in July or early August. Out of town? Do not be afraid. We will find a time that works! Please email Father John to register, john.bilenki@archbalt.org.
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For information on the OCIA program please email Father John Bilenki, associate pastor, at john.bilenki@archbalt.org — Classes begin in September and will run on Monday evenings from 7-8:30pm until April.
The pursuit of a relationship with Jesus is a life-long work of grace and perseverance. Here at St. Jane Frances, adults are encouraged to seek the companionship of parish friends who follow Christ through the life of his universal Church and often pursue these timeless practices:
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- Frequent reception of the sacraments
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- Adoration
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- Daily readings
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- The rosary
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- Continuing education
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- Spiritual reading
To Become a Catholic – The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, and it is the process through which adults join or complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. If you want to become Catholic or convert to Catholicism, please call the parish office today and ask for Father John, or email john.bilenki@archbalt.org!
Is the OCIA for me?
The OCIA is for three groups of people:
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- Those who are not baptized.
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- Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
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- Baptized Catholics who were never formed in the Catholic faith and
have not completed their initiation; that is, who have never received
the sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist.
- Baptized Catholics who were never formed in the Catholic faith and
How does OCIA work?
OCIA consists of four periods of formation which are marked by rituals that celebrate what has been completed and call a person into the next phase. There is no specific length of time for each period. The OCIA is a journey that “takes as long as it takes,” according to each individual.
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- The Inquiry or Precatechumenate
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- The Catechumenate
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- The Lenten period of Purification and Enlightenment
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- Mystagogy or a time of deeper understanding of the “mysteries”
The OCIA: a Journey, not a Program!
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the normal way for unbaptized persons and those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition to become a Catholic, through a process of discerning and ritualizing the stages of gradual conversion. The order of Christian initiation is designed for adults (and children of catechetical age) who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help, they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.
For the Unbaptized, the OCIA gradually uncovers the story of God’s salvation for all; the mystery of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection; and the workings of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the beliefs, sacramental life and spiritual practices of the Catholic Church. The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful and in accordance with the Church’s liturgical year. Together with the catechumens, the faithful reflect upon the value of the paschal mystery, renew their own conversion, and by their example lead the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously.
For Baptized Christians who seek full communion with the Catholic Church, the OCIA includes rites and pastoral practice.
For Baptized Catholics who have received no other faith formation and have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, the OCIA mentions pastoral practices to become a fully initiated Catholic.
FREE eBook! The Faith Of Our Fathers
Ever wanted to know more about Catholicism or had difficulty explaining your Catholic faith to family and friends? The Faith of Our Fathers: A Plain Exposition and Vindication of the Church Founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ is a book first published in 1876 by James Cardinal Gibbons, former Archbishop of Baltimore. With over 118 printings, it is perhaps the most successful book for explaining the basic tenets of the Catholic faith and why we hold them. It delves into the historical background of virtually everything people find hard to understand about Catholicism, such as priestly celibacy, sacred images, the Church and the Bible, the primacy of Peter, Communion under one kind, invocation of the saints, etc. Written for mixed Protestant and Catholic congregations in North Carolina and Virginia, it is accommodating to people of all faiths. The Faith of Our Fathers will confirm one’s faith in the truth of the Catholic Church like no other and will educate the reader to answer the questions so often posed by skeptics and unbelievers. The best thing is, it is readliy available for FREE via the internet. Download your free copy at one of the sources below!
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