A Journey of Faith: Becoming Catholic
 
Life is a journey of searching for meaning and love. Many of us find ourselves with a feeling that something is missing, a void that we cannot fill with work or other activities we engage in year after year. It is typically at this point that we turn to God in the hope that God can fill up what is lacking. 

We, at Sacred Heart Valley Park want to support your desire to connect with God and assist you with your faith journey in the Catholic Church.
 
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
 
The most common path for adults to become Catholic is through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA. This program is for those who have not been baptized, as well as for those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition and wish to join the Catholic Church. 

Our OCIA program is a series of classes and spiritual formation sessions that will help you explore the teachings, traditions, and practices of the Catholic Faith. It's a supportive environment where you can ask questions, deepen your understanding, and discern if this is the right path for you.

What to Expect

The OCIA journey is profound process of discovery, structured in three parts:

• Period of Inquiry (First 2.5 months): This initial phase is all about exploration. We'll cover general topics about our faith, such as who God is, Sacred Scripture, and Church history. The Period of Inquiry enables each participant to understand the broad teachings, practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic church and to confirm this journey is right for them before entering into the next phase of the program. 

• Period of the Catechumenate (Middle 4 months): This period focuses on living out the faith. We will delve deeper into the sacraments, the moral law, and the Church's call to service. This stage is designed to help you prepare your heart and mind for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night liturgy during Easter Weekend.
  • Breaking Open the Word: During this time, a key part of your Sunday experience will be "Breaking Open the Word." Following the homily at the Sunday 9:30 am Mass, you will be invited to be dismissed from the main assembly to a separate gathering. Here, with a Catechist (teacher), you will reflect and discuss the Sunday scripture readings, helping you to connect the Word of God to your daily life.
• Period of Mystagogy (Final Month Following Easter): After you have been welcomed into the Church, this final period is a time for exploring the mysteries of the early Church. We will delve into the apostolic journeys that followed the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the early days of the Church's formation. This final segment will help you deepen your understanding of the sacraments you've received, empower you to live out your new life in Christ, and provide insight into the various parish ministries available for you to continue your participation in the Sacred Heart faith community. 
  
  

Join Our Upcoming OCIA Class
Our next OCIA class is now forming and we would be honored to have you join us. This is a free program taught by our priests and lay members, all of whom are dedicated to helping you along your path.

We welcome new members of all ages with an adult class for those 15 and older and a children’s class for those up to 14 years old.  

To learn more and register for the class, please contact: ​
Father Greg at 636-225-5268

Class Schedule:

• When: Classes will begin September 16, 2025 and each following Tuesday evening from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm
• Where: Sacred Heart Room in church basement (near Elevator)

If you know a friend or family member who has been searching for deeper meaning in their life, we encourage you to share this information with them. We would love to welcome them to our community.

A Call to Serve: Become a Sponsor or Catechist
The OCIA journey is a beautiful and sacred process, and it is made all the more meaningful through the guidance and support of our dedicated parishioners. If you are a parishioner who feels called to share your faith and walk with someone on their path to becoming Catholic, we invite you to serve as a sponsor or catechist. Your wisdom, faith, and support are invaluable to those beginning their journey.

If you are interested in assisting with the OCIA program, please contact the Parish Office at 636-225-5268.

We look forward to hearing from you and walking with you on this exciting journey of faith.