OCIA:Becoming Catholic
First step:Complete the OCIA Inquirer Form
Welcome Home!
If you have already been baptized Catholic and have NOT received the Sacraments of First Holy Communion or Confirmation…
OR
You have received the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation, but have fallen away from the Church and want to return…
Here are your next steps:
-
Complete the OCIA Inquirer’s Form (to easily send by email, please use an Adobe Acrobat reader). Either send digitally using Adobe Acrobat reader or print and return to either the Parish Office at St. John or St. James.
-
Contact Christine Beldner, OCIA Coordinator to schedule an appointment. Contact her at (256) 682-8121 or email: christine@bartlesvillecatholic.org
If you have questions, Christine will be happy to help you with those as well.
We welcome you and are excited that you are interested in learning more about our beautiful Catholic faith.
You may be wondering: Will I feel pressured to become a Catholic?
Not at all. We want to help you discern God’s will for you at this moment in your life. We provide knowledge about the teachings of the Catholic faith, answers to your questions and a wonderful environment for spiritual growth.
To take the next steps…
-
Complete the OCIA Inquirer’s Form (to easily send by email, please use an Adobe Acrobat reader). Either send digitally using Adobe Acrobat reader or print and return to either the Parish Office at St. John or St. James.
-
Contact Christine Beldner, OCIA Coordinator to schedule an appointment. Contact her at (256) 682-8121 or email: christine@bartlesvillecatholic.org
If you simply have questions, Christine will be happy to help you with those as well!
Introductory Video from FORMED
"I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come."
— The Nicene Creed
Faq
What is OCIA?
The Catholic Community of Bartlesville’s program for the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is Becoming Catholic.
It is the process by which non-Catholics learn about the Catholic faith and way of life. It culminates with entry into the Catholic Church with the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism (if not previously baptized in a Christian denomination), Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
If you are a baptized Catholic and would like to complete your Sacraments of Initiation, the OCIA process is also for you!
The Order speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey” centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded. This journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough instruction in the Catholic faith, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.
Becoming Catholic is a time of discernment. It is a time to ask questions and determine if the Catholic faith is right for you. Each person’s faith journey is unique and there is never any pressure for you to become Catholic. The doctrines of the 2,000-year-old Catholic Church are very wide and very deep. It takes time to gain a basic understanding of these teachings and Becoming Catholic provides that venue.
Becoming Catholic sessions are Sunday mornings, 9:30 a.m. in the Braymer Room at Fr. Lynch Hall.
Fill out the inquirer form here! OCIA Inquirer Form
-
Send digitally or print and return to either the Parish Offices at St. John or St. James.
-
Contact Christine Beldner, OCIA Director to schedule an appointment. Contact her at (256) 682-8121 or email: christine@bartlesvillecatholic.org
The sessions typically begin with food and hospitality, followed by prayer, teaching, questions and answers, and small group discussions.
There is no cost to you to attend. The Catholic Community of Bartlesville provides all that is needed.
Absolutely. We encourage your spouse/fiancé to attend the sessions with you.
In most cases, you do NOT need to be baptized again. The Catholic Church requries that you were baptized with water, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We will request a copy of your baptismal certificate or other proof of baptism from the church where you were baptized. Proof of baptism may include a church letter, a membership record indicating that you were baptized, etc.
Don’t worry. We have people who volunteer to fulfill the sponsor role. They will attend the sessions with you.
Yes! All are invited to attend.