OCIA Session 1 Supplement - Welcome & Journeys - What is OCIA? Why does faith matter?

Welcome & Journeys - What is OCIA? Why does faith matter?

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Welcome, my friend! You’ve taken your first step into something bigger than yourself, and that’s worth celebrating. OCIA isn’t just a class to sit through or a program to complete. It’s the beginning of a journey - and every great story starts with a journey. Think of Abraham, who heard God say, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Or Peter, who left behind his nets when Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). Neither of them had the map figured out, but they trusted God enough to take the first step. That’s exactly where you are now.

So, what is OCIA? The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the Catholic Church’s way of helping people discover, learn, and experience the faith. You might have heard of RCIA - that was the old name. Same idea, just with an updated title. But here’s the truth: it’s not really about initials, it’s about encounter. OCIA is not night school for Catholics, or a book club with incense, or a self-help seminar with stained glass windows. It’s a living, breathing process through which people like you are welcomed into God’s family, guided by the Church that Jesus founded over 2,000 years ago.

Now let’s talk about journeys. Life is full of them. You’ve probably had road trips that went wonderfully… or terribly (ever tried cramming too much luggage in the trunk?). You’ve likely had emotional journeys like falling in love, or walking through grief. And whether you realized it or not, you’ve been on a spiritual journey too. OCIA is simply the next leg of that trip. The best part? You don’t walk it alone. You’ll have mentors, companions, your parish family, and the Holy Spirit Himself as your guide. Psalm 119:105 reminds us: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Notice it says lamp, not spotlight. God doesn’t show you the whole road all at once - just the next step.

It’s important to understand what OCIA is and what it isn’t. It’s not about earning a Catholic diploma you can hang on the wall. It’s about transformation. St. Paul says in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That’s the heart of OCIA. You’re not here to memorize trivia about saints or memorize Latin phrases. You’re here to meet a Person - Jesus Christ - and to let Him change your life. Think of it less like taking a class and more like training for a marathon. You don’t sign up for the medal; you sign up for the run. And this marathon doesn’t require fancy shoes. It requires something much deeper: your heart.

Why does faith matter? Great question. Some people think, “I’m already a decent person, isn’t that enough?” Being kind is good, but faith takes life from good to meaningful. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Without faith, life can feel like a random collection of events. With faith, we see God weaving a story. Think of it like a smartphone with no service. Sure, you can take pictures and play games, but you’re not really connected. Faith is the signal that connects us to God - and Catholicism isn’t just one app, it’s the whole data plan.

Here’s a humor break for you: Catholics get teased for being serious - and sure, we take liturgy and fasting seriously. But we also have joy. Have you ever noticed how every Catholic church smells the same? A little incense, a few candles, and just a hint of coffee drifting from the parish hall. That’s the “Catholic starter pack.” And don’t stress about learning the stand-sit-kneel routine at Mass. We call it “Catholic aerobics.” You’ll get the rhythm faster than you think.

Take a moment right now. Ask yourself: What brought me here? Was it curiosity? A friend or family member? A longing for peace? Maybe just the feeling that there’s got to be more to life? Write it down, or tuck it away in your heart. This is your starting point, and it matters. Philippians 1:6 gives you this promise: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Remember, Catholicism is not a solo act. Jesus didn’t come to build a personal fan club; He founded a Church. Your parish is not just a building where you sit for an hour on Sundays. It’s a living family, a body of people who grow together in holiness. The best way to succeed in OCIA is to actually get involved: linger after Mass, introduce yourself to someone new, or join a parish event. When St. Paul called the Church “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27), he meant that each of us is part of something much bigger, and every part matters - including you.

At the center of it all is the Mass. The Church calls it “the source and summit of the Christian life.” When you go to Mass, you’re not just listening to a lecture or singing hymns. You are stepping into heaven’s worship. The same Jesus who walked the earth 2,000 years ago comes to meet you in the Eucharist - body, blood, soul, and divinity. That’s why Catholics keep coming back week after week, century after century. John 6:51 records Jesus’ promise: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

Of course, not every Mass feels like heaven on earth. Sometimes the homily is too long, sometimes the music is off-key, and sometimes the toddler two pews away is having what can only be described as a spiritual meltdown. That’s okay. The miracle still happens. Jesus still shows up. And that’s what matters.

Here’s your challenge for this week: Go to Sunday Mass. Beforehand, decide to notice two things - the people and the prayers. Look around you; those people are your new family. Listen to the prayers; they’ve been handed down for centuries. Afterward, introduce yourself to one person, maybe even the priest. Tell them you’re in OCIA. You’ll be amazed at the welcome you receive.

So, why does faith matter? Because faith turns survival into story. It transforms life from random chaos into a narrative where you are known, loved, and called by name. This isn’t just the start of a course; it’s the beginning of a lifelong adventure. Next time, we’ll talk about the most important figure in all of history and in your life - Jesus Christ, true God and true man. Until then, keep showing up, keep listening, and keep laughing. The Catholic Church is big enough to hold your questions, your quirks, and yes, even your sense of humor.