At St. Mary and St. Margaret Mary we offer a year-round process of conversion and instruction that leads to becoming a Catholic Christian.  Through the waters of baptism (for the unbaptized) or a Profession of Faith (for the already Christian through a prior baptism), those who come to us become one with Christ and one with the Body of Christ, the Church.  

Contact Deacon Jim Fourcade at (405) 282-4239.    

Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church?

RCIA, are the initials for “The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults." It is the normal process for someone interested in becoming a Catholic, but the RCIA also includes the entire initiation process through a series of four steps for those who are at different places on their spiritual journey. Before beginning the process of Christian Initiation (RCIA), those desiring entry into the Catholic Church should be attending Sunday Mass as well as Holy Days of Obligation. The only reason to miss Sunday Mass or Holy Days of Obligation are sickness.

Inquiry

The first step, called “Inquiry,” begins with a gathering of those who are interested in or may just have questions about the Catholic faith. Some inquirers may decide progress to the next step.

Catechumenate

Those who have decided to worship with us at Mass each Sunday and begin to study regularly the doctrines of the Catholic Faith more formally can move to the next step of RCIA. This period of the RCIA process can vary in length of time depending on the individual and consists of attending sessions, parish activities, sharing faith with Catholics,  and through this learn how Catholics live out their faith and discern if God is calling them to become Catholic.

Purification & Enlightenment

This is the time the whole Church is preparing for the celebration of Easter.  It is a time to prepare our hearts for the greatest gift given to us!  Jesus's passion, sacrificial death on the Cross and Resurrection from the dead, for forgiveness, reconciliation and ultimately hope for eternal life and communion with the Living God.   is for those who decide to join the Catholic Church and culminates with the receiving of the Sacraments and full Communion in the Church. This period is typically is during the season of Lent in the Church (the 40 days before Easter) and begins with a formal Rite of the Church called The Rite of Election where those making final preparations to enter in the Church at Easter get to meet the Archbishop and the weekly sessions during this time focus on final preparations and include a retreat day. This step concludes with the reception of Sacraments (generally at Easter Vigil Mass each year).

The final step included in the RCIA process is called “Mystagogy” which means unpacking or exploring the “mysteries” and includes living out the faith within the community of believers after reception in the Church.

Anyone interested learning more about the how to become Catholic or about the RCIA process; contact the parish office 405.282.4239, ext. 7.