BECOMING CATHOLIC / OCIA
About OCIA
Whether you're just curious, wanting a few answers about the Catholic Faith, or ready to dive in and become Catholic, OCIA (formerly called the RCIA) is right for you. These sessions are the perfect opportunity to learn about the Catholic Faith either for the first time, or the 100th time. We welcome anyone who wants to deepen their understanding, and come to embrace the Church's teachings regarding the Mass, Creed, Sacraments, Ten Commandments, and Prayer..Join us for the journey, it helps to travel together!
Classes (2026-2027)
Click the “class assignments” link to prepare for each session.
Note: Please plan on attending the “Introduction” session or scheduling an appointment before we begin on September 13.
September 13: INTRODUCTION
September 20: Our Father, Sacramentals and Devotions (Assignments 36&22)
September 27: Walk Through the Mass (Video and Discussion)
October 4: We Long for God, and God Comes to Meet Us (Assignments 1&2)
October 11: Proclaim the Gospel and the Obedience of Faith (Assignments 3&4)
October 18: I Believe, and In the Beginning (Assignments 5&6)
October 25: The Good News and The Saving Death and Resurrection of Christ (Assignments 7&8)
November 1: Receive the Holy Spirit (Assignment 9)
November 8: The Church and The 4 Marks of the Church (Assignments 10&11)
November 15: Tour of the Church
November 22: Mary (Assignment 12)
November 29: Our Eternal Destiny (Assignment 13)
December 6: Paschal Mystery (Assignment 14)
December 13: Baptism, and Confirmation (Assignments 15&16)
December 20: Eucharist (Assignment 17)
December 27: Christmas Break (No class)
January 3: Confession, and Anointing (Assignments 18&19)
January 10: Holy Orders, and Marriage (Assignments 20&21)
January 17: Life in Christ (Pt.1) (Assignment 23)
January 24: Life in Christ (Pt. 2) (Assignment 24)
January 31: (Commandments 1, 2, 3 (Assignments 25-27)
February 7: (RITE OF SENDING) OCIA Preparations
February 14: (RITE OF ELECTION) Commandments 4 & 8 (Assignments 28 & 32)
February 21: Penitential Right (Assignment 29)
February 28: 1st Scrutiny (Assignments 30&33)
March 7: 2nd Scrutiny (Assignments 31&34)
March 14: 3rd Scrutiny (Assignment 35)
March 21: Palm Sunday - Final Session
March 25: Chrism Mass: Lansing Cathedral, Holy Thursday Mass
March 26: Good Friday
March 27: Easter Vigil
March 28: Easter Sunday
OCIA: An Invitation of Join the Church and to Go Deeper
Every year the Catholic Church welcomes thousands of new members through a process known as OCIA. The letters stand for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, and through the OCIA, interested men, women and children come to know the presence of God in their lives. The OCIA process allows us as a parish community to welcome new “family members” into our community. During the weeks of instruction and preparation that are part of the OCIA process, the parish family supports their entry into the Church, prays for them, and helps them understand Catholic prayer, worship, beliefs and activities.
In the OCIA process, we are always interested in new inquiries. If you or someone you know would like to become a Catholic, or if you were baptized Catholic but have never celebrated Eucharist or Confirmation, contact Deacon Bill Turner by filling out the form below. We will be happy to have you as part of our OCIA process.
Who are we?
Catholics are disciples of Jesus Christ and we seek to follow the path that He has marked for us, which calls on us to love God and each other.
The choice to follow Jesus is not always easy. Much of what we believe is counter-cultural and calls each one of us into a special relationship with God. By choosing to follow Jesus, we choose to live our lives in a particular way – His way. We are guided by Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church, and our pilgrimage is made easier since we walk together in faith.
Why Join the Catholic Church?
If you are asking the question, perhaps God is leading you to an answer.
We believe you will find the fullness of Christianity in the teaching of the Catholic Church. Acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal savior may not provide an immediate answer to all your problems, but as a Christian you will experience a joy that can be found in no other way.
Only you can truly answer the question about joining our Church. Jesus invites us to follow Him. The Catholic Church invites you to come and see the way we live our Christian call. Join us, watch us, and observe our worship service, preaching, sacraments, teaching, and simple day-to-day living.
How can you Become a Member?
You can seek membership in the Catholic Church through a process known as OCIA – the “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.” The OCIA offers you the opportunity to learn how a relationship with God can change your life. It is an opportunity to see what the Catholic Church believes and how we live our faith. Many people have preconceived ideas about the Catholic Church. In the OCIA process, we will study the Scriptures, discuss Catholic teaching, and most importantly, get a true, good and honest idea about what the Catholic Church is really all about.
What if you Change Your Mind?
That’s always your choice. Each of us chooses the path that he or she will walk in this life. By coming to an OCIA meeting, you’re not making a commitment to join the Church. This is a time to explore and have your questions answered.
Along the way, you will decide if the Catholic Church is to become your home. Through the OCIA process, thousands of people in Michigan join the Catholic Church each year.
When do sessions meet?
Sundays, 12:15p.m. beginning September 13 until March 21
What do you do now?
Searching for truth is perhaps the most important thing we can do in our lives. If you have questions, or are interested in finding out about the OCIA, fill out the form below. We also recommend meeting with the OCIA director before we officially begin in the fall; this is a great opportunity to find out more about the OCIA process, and get your questions answered.

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