The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)* is a process by which adults enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, whether unbaptized or already baptized in another Christian denomination. Catholics may also attend OCIA to learn more about their Catholic faith.

 Our weekly gatherings are open to all who would like to attend, to learn about the Catholic Faith, and most especially to personally welcome and encourage Catechumens and Candidates who are on their journey to enter the Church. 

We welcome you to join us as an OCIA team member, as well. As a team member, you have the privilege of teaching our beautiful, rich Catholic faith to those inquiring, while at the same time building upon your own faith formation by benefiting from the teachings of your fellow team members. 

For non-Catholics, attending doesn’t mean you’ve decided to join us. You can also come just to listen and inquire as part of your faith journey. We are all on a lifelong journey of faith, both teaching and learning as we go.  We meet weekly for about one hour (Monday evenings at 7pm), from September through the Easter season. See below for a testimonial from a recent convert!

Whether you are interested in attending as a Catholic, as an inquiring non-Catholic, or as a team member, we welcome you! Feel free to contact us for more information.

Sessions begin Monday, September 30, 2024

For more information or to join us, contact Mary Ellen Glenn through our parish office:

 215-822-0179 or [email protected]

Q: Tell us a little about your background
I was raised Protestant and was very active in my church.
 
Q: What made you want to go through the RCIA process and convert to Catholicism?
My husband and I moved here to Chalfont 2 years ago and started to attend St. Jude. My daughter and her husband are parishioners and my grand kids attend/ed school here and were in the choir, so we went often to see them sing. My husband wanted to return to his Catholic roots and I loved the Mass and started asking my son-in-law (Ricardo who was a teacher in the RCIA program) about the teachings of the Catholic Church. And I eventually started attending the classes. It took two years before I was convinced that the Catholic Church is the true original apostolic church. So I converted and completed my sacraments this past spring.
 
Q: What is it about Catholicism that you believe is special?
The teachings of the Catholic Church are so rich and rooted so deep in Scripture and tradition. The Eucharist, Mary the Mother of God, the saints, confession, are just a few examples of why I converted. As a Protestant I was just skimming the surface and never experienced the fullness of faith, grace, and mercy through the sacraments. I love the Catholic faith.
 
Q: What do you like best about St. Jude Church?
I love St. Jude church. I like that there are so many young families that attend. I also like the music. I also have a special connection with Father Costa since he walked me through my conversion. He’s so kind and helped me so much.
 
Thank you, Sandy, and welcome home!