Becoming Catholic

We would love to welcome you into our beautiful faith! Please email office@stjudeclinton.org so that we can better assist you in the process.

What Does "Catholic" Mean?

The word "catholic" means "universal," in the sense of "according to totality" or "in keeping with the whole." The Church is catholic because:

She (the Church) proclaims the fullness of the faith. She bears in herself and administers the totality of the means of salvation. She is sent out to all peoples. She speaks to all men. She encompasses all times. She is "missionary of her very nature."
 —Catechism of the Catholic Church, 830, 868

How is a Person Catholic?

Those who are Catholic are, "those who, posessing the Spirit of Christ, accept all means of salvation given to the Church together with her entire organization, and who—by the bonds constituted by the profession of the faith, the sacraments, the ecclesiastical government, and communion—are joined in the visible structure of the Church of Christ, who rules her through the Supreme Pontiff, and the bishops."
 —Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), November 21, 1964, sec. 14, Vatican Website.

How Does One Become Catholic?

Through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), or Youth OCIA, those who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or becoming a member of the Catholic Church, grow and develop their faith and understanding of the Catholic Church. Participants will be assigned a sponsor to help guide them through their journey in the Catholic faith.

If you are interested in participating in OCIA, please email office@stjudeclinton.org. Please remember, you don't have to make any commitments until you are ready.

What is OCIA?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), or Youth OCIA, is the process in which individuals become Roman Catholics. After initially meeting with us, the OCIA process begins with the assignment of a sponsor, followed by a period of religious instruction and discernment.

After the instruction and discernment period, those who have not been baptized in the Christian faith will be baptized. Those who have already been baptized in other Christian communities will make a Profession of Faith. Participants will then receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion when they are ready.

Youth OCIA

Youth OCIA is a form of Christian initiation for children seven and older, who seek Christian initiation with parental consent. Youth OCIA is similar to OCIA for adults, but is adapted to the needs of the youth.

Who Belongs in Youth OCIA?
• Unbaptized children ages 7 - 15
• Children baptized in a different Christian tradition who want to be in communion with the Catholic Church
• Children that are baptized Catholic, but are behind in receiving their sacraments

Choosing a Sponsor

Choosing a sponsor is an important part of OCIA. Your sponsor will help serve as a mentor and guide through your initiation into the Catholic faith. It is important your sponsor is a Catholic in good standing who actively practices and lives their faith.

Please inquire about the eligibility of a sponsor ahead of time so the necessary approval can be obtained.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You!

We look forward to welcoming you into our beautiful faith! Please email office@stjudeclinton.org

if you would like to inquire about OCIA, or if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting you!