{"id":6950,"date":"2019-05-14T13:39:48","date_gmt":"2019-05-14T18:39:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stmarylancaster.org\/2018\/?page_id=6950"},"modified":"2025-08-17T08:52:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T12:52:06","slug":"becoming-catholic","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stmarylancaster.org\/2018\/becoming-catholic\/","title":{"rendered":"Becoming Catholic"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Menu Section” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_type=”circular” background_color_gradient_stops=”#1a224c 0%|#1a224c 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#1a224c” background_color_gradient_end=”#1a224c” background_image=”https:\/\/stmarylancaster.org\/2018\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/apse4.jpg” background_size=”contain” background_repeat=”repeat” border_width_top=”5px” border_color_top=”#AC9258″ border_color_bottom=”#AC9258″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_style=”inline_centered_logo” fullwidth_menu=”off” active_link_color=”#AC9258″ dropdown_menu_bg_color=”#17477a” dropdown_menu_line_color=”#AC9258″ dropdown_menu_text_color=”#FFFFFF” dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#AC9258″ mobile_menu_bg_color=”#17477a” mobile_menu_text_color=”#FFFFFF” show_search_icon=”on” search_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” menu_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” menu_icon_font_size=”50px” admin_label=”BSM Menu Bar” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”Lato|700||on|||||” menu_text_color=”#FFFFFF” menu_font_size=”17px” menu_line_height=”1.2em” background_enable_color=”off” max_width=”1440%” module_alignment=”center” menu_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ menu_text_shadow_color=”#323041″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_menu][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” border_color_top=”#ac9258″ border_color_bottom=”#ac9258″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/stmarylancaster.org\/2018\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/o-JESUS-ICON-facebook.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ border_width_top=”5px” border_color_top=”#ac9258″ border_width_bottom=”5px” border_color_bottom=”#ac9258″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#e3d8bd” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||0px|” custom_padding=”||0px|” border_width_bottom=”6px” border_color_bottom=”#ac9258″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/stmarylancaster.org\/2018\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Screen-Shot-2019-05-15-at-8.59.18-AM.png” quote_icon_color=”#6a8ea1″ quote_icon_background_color=”#e3d8bd” portrait_width=”100″ portrait_height=”100″ admin_label=”Becoming Catholic Heading” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ body_font=”|600||||on|||” body_text_align=”center” body_text_color=”#43718b” body_font_size=”25″ background_color=”#e3d8bd” text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”||3px|” custom_padding=”||3px|” animation_style=”fade” animation_speed_curve=”ease” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cThe essence of Christianity it not an idea, not a system of thought, not a plan of action. The essence of Christianity is a Person: \u00a0Jesus Christ Himself.\u201d
– Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(227,216,189,0.51)” custom_padding=”0px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” border_color_top=”#ac9258″ border_color_bottom=”#ac9258″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||0px|” custom_padding=”||0px|” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”2025-26 graphics from shana” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”16px” custom_margin=”||10px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text=”OCIA Open House 2025.09.08″ src=”https:\/\/stmarylancaster.org\/2018\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/OCIA-Open-House-2025.09.08.jpg” admin_label=”gen OCIA” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”16px” custom_margin=”||10px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text=”OCIA Interested Sponsor Meeting 2025.09.08″ src=”https:\/\/stmarylancaster.org\/2018\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/OCIA-Interested-Sponsor-Meeting-2025.09.08.jpg” admin_label=”sponsor mtg.” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(227,216,189,0.51)” custom_padding=”0px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” border_color_top=”#ac9258″ border_color_bottom=”#ac9258″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px|” custom_padding=”||0px|” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”16px” custom_margin=”||10px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro to RCIA” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#f5f5f5″ text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

THE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (O.C.I.A.) PROCESS
(Formerly known as R.C.I.A.)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Come and walk with us to discover the history, beauty, and spirituality of the Catholic Church, founded by Jesus Christ almost 2,000 years ago as the means for Him to continue to encounter each man, woman and child in this world until the end of time! Contact Shana Leonard if you’re interested in learning more about the OCIA Process and potentially beginning the process in the Summer – Fall. Ideally, inquirers should meet with Shana in the summer months before sessions begin in September.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We will have an “Open House” Information & Inquiry Session for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults: Sunday, 8 Sept at 6 pm 2025<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For whom is the O.C.I.A. Process?<\/strong>
– Unbaptized adults who wish to learn about following Jesus Christ with an openness to entering His Church through Baptism and receiving the other sacraments of Initiation;
– Baptized Christians from Christian Communities who wish to learn about the catholic & apostolic faith with an openness toward entering full communion with the Church and completing their Christian Initiation;
– Baptized Catholics who have not completed their Christian Initiation with Confirmation and\/or Communion & Confession
– A Catholic who has been away from the practice of the faith and wants to return to the Sacramental Life and attend OCIA as a means of faith renewal<\/p>\n

A brief overview of the O.C.I.A. Process<\/strong>
Through weekly Monday evening sessions beginning in September, inquirers are given the opportunity to encounter God through a presentation of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic faith and deepen their personal relationship with Him through prayer and worship at holy Mass.<\/p>\n

The development of faith takes time; it cannot be rushed.\u00a0 The inquirers must be allowed sufficient time for their faith to ripen and begin to manifest in Christian living and a life of conversion.\u00a0 Ordinarily, this means anywhere from one to two years of formation depending, of course, on the background and spiritual maturity of the inquirer. The O.C.I.A. process cannot be reduced to classes for doctrinal instruction; it is about taking up a new way of life in our Lord Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

There will be several one-on-one sessions throughout the process with the O.C.I.A. Director, and one with the Pastor, to guide and support inquirers on their journey of seeking and conversion; to discern their intentions; and individual readiness for the sacraments of Initiation.<\/p>\n

Is there any commitment by starting the process?<\/strong>
Absolutely not. God has given each person the gift of free will and the Church respects that gift and will not pressure you on your journey in any way. If you intend to work toward becoming Catholic, however, we do ask you to commit to faithfully attending the OCIA sessions, Rites, and attending Mass each Sunday later in the process.<\/p>\n

Sponsors – Your Companion on The Way<\/strong>
With the help of the O.C.I.A. Director each inquirer will be joined with a Catholic who will attend the R.C.I.A. sessions with you, attend Mass with you, and support you with friendship and prayer along your journey.<\/p>\n

Marriage and the O.C.I.A. Process<\/strong>
The Church holds that when a man and woman freely express informed consent at the time of their wedding vows they are in a valid marriage that only ends in death. If you are married, divorced, and have married again please be sure to share that information so we can discuss and begin an annulment investigation.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=”Miss Shana Leonard” position=”O.C.I.A. Coordinator” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ background_color=”#f5f5f5″ custom_padding=”15px|30px|30px|30px” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Contact via Email<\/a>
Office: 740.653.0997<\/p>\n

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TESTIMONIALS ABOUT THE R.C.I.A. PROCESS<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jackie Dennison” company_name=”Baptized an Completed Initiation in 2021″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Growing up, my family never went to church. When I was young I became aware of God and church and I have always wanted to be part of something more. Being young there were many unanswered questions and an unpleasant experience led me to feel I didn\u2019t need a church. All I needed was my own personal relationship with God. but that desire for something more has always been with me. I have had many friends over the years that were Catholic and have always been drawn to it, but never followed through. When I was given the opportunity to join RCIA, I knew instantly after the first class this is where I needed to be to have all my questions answered and continue my journey with God. The first Mass I went to in the beautiful church I have always driven by and admired, filled my heart and welcomed me from the time I entered. I knew this is where I belong. RCIA helped me with the knowledge and resources I have always searched for. I looked forward to going to RCIA on Monday evenings, gathering with others learning something new each week, and building knowledge within the Faith of Catholicism. Positive changes have happened in my life since I’ve gone through the RCIA program. The closeness with God through prayer as well as praying the Rosary (Mary mother of God). It has become part of my everyday life and fulfillment that I have never had before. Joining RCIA is a way of taking your first step without pressure. It allows you to learn while making your own decisions with proper understanding.\u00a0<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jordan Garner” job_title=”Lancaster High School Student” company_name=”Baptized an Completed Initiation in 2021″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

My whole family is Catholic so I have always gone to Mass here at St. Mary but since I wasn’t baptized Catholic, I could not participate in Communion. About 2 years ago I decided that I wanted to fully come into the Church and completely accept the faith. The RCIA process helped me grasp a prayer life, understand the basics of what it means to be Catholic, and what exactly we believe. RCIA has also allowed me to meet some wonderful people that helped guide and support me on my spiritual journey. I couldn’t be more grateful for the many graces that come along with my amazing new faith.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_testimonial author=”Bret Shafer” company_name=”Entered Full Communion in 2018″ _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Being a cradle Lutheran, I already had a fairly good grasp about the Catholic Church \u2014 at least I thought I did. About two and half years ago I started listening to Catholic radio, AM 820. What I heard and found was a deeper understanding of all aspects of the Christian faith. For me it was like being struck with a hammer when I heard Father John Riccardo, Dr. Scott Hahn and most notably Jimmy Akin. Their knowledge, faith and understanding of the Catholic Church and Catholicism was amazing and there was no doubt that the Holy Spirit was at work with these men. They and others reignited a flame within me and I wanted to know more. What really sparked my interest were the early Church Fathers, I had never heard of the Church Fathers before and I am in my mid-50\u2019s. After reading several books concerning the Church Fathers I realized that these men that laid the foundation of the Catholic faith had in fact got it right. The Holy Spirit was moving me and I made the decision to begin the RCIA process. The RCIA process allowed me to get a bird\u2019s eye view into the Catholic faith all while deepening my spiritual growth, which resulted in ultimately and truly knowing that the Catholic Church got it right. Praise be to the Church Fathers and Martyrs, some of whom laid down their lives so that we would know the truth. Over the past year my faith has grown, like at no other time in my life. I am still growing in my faith, still learning the mysteries of the Church and all the while deepening my relationship with the Triune God.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_testimonial author=”Amanda Walls” company_name=”Baptized and Full Initiated in 2016″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

From a very young age I was attracted to the Catholic faith. Though, I was born into a Protestant family and the only one in the family that had not been baptized, I do believe I have been searching for a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and understanding of my life\u2019s purpose for quite a long time. I just knew there had to be a life without the constant feeling of an absence being present. A close friend and member of Saint Mary mentioned the RCIA program. I was nervous but excited to learn what it meant to me to be baptized and to participate in the Christian way of life. Once present at RCIA sessions the nervousness went away and I was able to meet new friends and learn that I am not alone in this search for deeper meaning to life. I found much comfort in getting to know the clergy and staff. In going through this process, I have learned so much to help me grow in my spiritual life. I gained much relief in being baptized and becoming anew, with guidance how to maintain this relationship and be a part of the body of Christ. I am ever so grateful! Thanks be to God!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_testimonial author=”Aaron Reedy” company_name=”Entered Full Communion in 2015″ _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Being a protestant Christian all my life who attended church regularly, I held the stereotypical beliefs about Catholicism.\u00a0 As I grew older I found myself desiring a deeper relationship with God that I couldn\u2019t quite grasp through several denominations.\u00a0 I found myself listening to Catholic radio and being attracted to the teachings.\u00a0 After several months, a friend invited me to an RCIA class at St. Mary.\u00a0 I felt at home almost right away.\u00a0 I was presented with an environment in which I could ask questions and challenge leaders interactively as opposed to listening to a radio program.\u00a0 The leader, Brian McCauley, and other teachers, priests, and deacons were welcoming and encouraging while softly challenging me in my walk with Christ.\u00a0 Other seekers quickly became like family; sharing our questions, life experiences, doubts, and excitement about seeking God through the Catholic Church.\u00a0 The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable and over time slowly evolved into a humbling and personal worship experience.\u00a0 I decided to join the Catholic Church after learning and discerning in the RCIA for two years.\u00a0\u00a0I am at home!\u00a0 I encourage all people seeking Christ (or more of Him) to put aside any reservations they may have and find out how quickly they become family in the RCIA program at St. Mary Church.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_testimonial author=”Mark Ebert” company_name=”Entered Full Communion in 2015″ _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Although I have had the Catholic Church on my radar for many years, I didn’t think I would ever become Catholic. There were too many doctrinal obstacles. My church of thirty years closed it’s doors about two years ago. I was without a church home during this period. I was miserable and began to pray “Jesus, please give me a simple faith.\u201d A few months later I found myself enrolled in RCIA. There are many ways to explain how this happened. I believe it was an answer to prayer.\u00a0My experience in RCIA has been a great adventure into faith. As I learned about the Church and it’s teachings the obstacles began to dissolve. Once I began to see the bigger picture and how things fit into it I was amazed at the beauty of the Church.\u00a0I experienced the rebirth of my prayer life. Something I had been missing greatly. When I first attended Mass I found it to be beautiful but very confusing. As I continued in RCIA the Mass opened up to me in ways I never could have imagined. RCIA has led me to appreciate how full, beautiful and simple the Catholic faith is.\u00a0<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(227,216,189,0.51)” custom_padding=”0px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” border_color_top=”#ac9258″ border_color_bottom=”#ac9258″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”16px” custom_margin=”||10px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cThe essence of Christianity it not an idea, not a system of thought, not a plan of action. The essence of Christianity is a Person: \u00a0Jesus Christ Himself.\u201d- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVITHE ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (O.C.I.A.) PROCESS(Formerly known as R.C.I.A.) Come and walk with us to discover the history, beauty, and spirituality […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6950","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBecoming Catholic - The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption | Lancaster, Ohio<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/stmarylancaster.org\/2018\/becoming-catholic\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Becoming Catholic - The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption | Lancaster, Ohio\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u201cThe essence of Christianity it not an idea, not a system of thought, not a plan of action. 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