Preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation as an Adult (Over 18)
Baptism, First Eucharist, Confirmation
Step 1: Register for OCIA
Meet with Nicky to discuss the steps of receiving your Sacraments (email here to set up time). She will give you a Learning & Engagement Plan that shows your path. If you can, please help cover the material cost for all that you will be receiving while in Formation. Click the button below to pay the $50 materials fee.
Step 2: Register for the Parish
If you are not already a registered parishioner, you can register here online. You will need to register to receive your sacraments here. We hope you will make St Mary Magdalene your spiritual home.
Step 3: Attend OCIA classes
After meeting with Nicky and determining your start date – begin attending classes, making these a priority in your schedule so you can stay on schedule. Plan to engage in discussion and read the occasional emails that provide additional ways to engage in your faith journey.
Step 4: Find Eligible Godparents/Sponsor & verify Eligibility
Choosing godparents/sponsor is a decision that must be made with great care. A Godparent must be someone capable of serving as a good example for faithfully living the Catholic way of life and for their ability to assist their Godchild/OCIA candidate on their faith journey. Each proposed godparent must complete this form and have it signed and sealed by the parish where they are registered. Once completed it can mailed to Nicky, brought to class or emailed directly from the church to Nicky. If you don’t know anyone that is eligible, Nicky can provide a sponsor from the parish who will walk with you.
Step 5: Complete all requirements of the Engagement/Learning Plan
You will have an opportunity to meet with an OCIA leader twice through the process – one at the end of the Inquirer period and one as the Purification period approaches. These meetings will check in on your progress on necessary steps/missed classes and other required activities.
Step 6: Turn in all Paperwork
The following must be received to proceed with receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & First Eucharist:
- Godparent/Sponsor Eligibility Form
- Baptism Certificate
- for Catholics, we need a NEWLY ISSUED baptism certificate with notations. The one you received when you were baptized as a child is not valid for this purpose. Just call the church where you were baptized and give them the underlined requirements above.
- For those baptized at non-Catholic Christian churches, a copy of your original baptism can be emailed or brought in to be copied.
- If you cannot obtain a certificate for any reason, just talk to Nicky and she will advise on how to handle.
- Completed Sponsor Packet (one page pulls out and is turned in)
- Marriage Prep is completed and Ceremony scheduled prior to/same day as reception of other sacraments where applicable*
- Verify all INQUIRY, CATECHUMENATE & PURIFICATION period requirements have been completed.
- Unbaptized have several required Rites that need to be completed. Be sure to prioritize these dates to avoid special make-ups just for you.
- Choose a Saint Name – email your choice or sign the list in class