OCIA Session 1: Welcome & Journeys – What is OCIA? Why Does Faith Matter?

Welcome, my friends! Let me start by saying how glad I am that you’re here. Seriously. Whatever brought you into this room today - curiosity, love, tradition, or maybe even a little holy confusion - you are not here by accident. The Catholic Church believes the Holy Spirit has a way of arranging encounters at just the right time, and your being here is proof. Now, let’s get this out of the way: you might have heard of “RCIA.” That was the old name: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. These days we call it OCIA - the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Same journey, just a slightly updated name. And if you forget and still call it RCIA? Don’t worry. Half the parish still does. So what is this all about? Is it like night school for Catholics? A book club with incense? A self-help seminar with stained glass windows? Not exactly. OCIA is the process through which people learn about, experience, and ultimately enter into the Catholic Church. It’s not just classes - it’s a journey of faith.

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Why Journeys Matter

Let’s talk about journeys. Life is full of them. Some are literal - like family road trips where you swear you’ll never pack the car again. Some are emotional - like falling in love or grieving a loss. And some are spiritual. Think of OCIA as a spiritual road trip. You don’t need to have the map memorized yet. You don’t need to know the Latin names of all the prayers. You don’t even need to have your questions sorted out. You just need a willingness to take the next step. And by the way, you’re not walking alone - you have companions, mentors, your parish family, and yes, even people like me to guide you along the way.

What OCIA Is (and Isn’t)

Here’s the first big truth: OCIA is not about “getting your Catholic diploma.” It’s not like school where you check off assignments until you graduate and hang a certificate on the wall. Instead, it’s about transformation. You are not simply learning facts about Catholicism; you are being invited into a relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Think of it like training for a marathon. You don’t sign up for a marathon so you can frame the registration form; you train because you want to run the race. And unlike a marathon, OCIA doesn’t require expensive shoes or early-morning jogs. It requires something much harder - your heart.

Why Faith Matters

Let’s be real: some of you might be thinking, “Do I really need faith? I’m already a decent person.” And that’s good - God loves decent people. But faith is more than being nice. Faith is the lens that gives meaning to life’s experiences. Without faith, our lives can feel like a series of random events. With faith, we see God’s hand at work, even in the messy parts. Here’s an analogy: life without faith is like having a brand-new smartphone but no service. You can take selfies, play a few games, but you’re not really connected. Faith is the signal that connects us to God. And Catholicism isn’t just one app among many - it’s the full connection plan.

Humor Break

Now, Catholics have a reputation for being serious. And yes, we can be pretty serious about certain things: liturgy, fasting on Ash Wednesday, making sure the parish coffee doesn’t run out. But let me reassure you: joy and humor are part of Catholic life too. In fact, have you ever noticed how Catholic churches always smell the same? Incense, candles, and just a hint of coffee from the parish hall. That’s the “Catholic starter pack.” And don’t worry if you’re confused by the kneeling, standing, sitting routine at Mass - we call it “Catholic aerobics.” You’ll pick it up faster than you think.

Interactive Reflection

Take a moment now. Grab your notebook or just pause in silence. Ask yourself: What brought me here? Was it curiosity? Was it the example of someone you love? Was it something deeper, like an ache for meaning or peace?

Write it down. If you’re in a group, share with the person next to you. If you’re watching at home, just keep it between you and God for now. This is your starting point - and it matters.

The Parish Connection

Here’s something crucial: Catholicism is not a solo sport. You cannot “be Catholic” on your own. Why? Because Jesus didn’t come to build a personal fan club. He founded a Church - a community, a family. That’s why parishes exist. Your parish isn’t just a building where you sit for an hour on Sundays. It’s a living, breathing body of people who pray together, serve together, and grow in holiness together. One of the best ways to succeed in OCIA is to actually get involved in parish life. So here’s a challenge: next Sunday, don’t just slip in and out of Mass like you’re sneaking into a movie theater. Introduce yourself to someone. Stay for coffee. Sign up for a parish event. Remember, the Church is not just something you attend - it’s something you become part of.

Why Mass is Central

This brings me to Mass. You’ll hear me say this again and again: Sunday Mass is non-negotiable. It’s the heartbeat of Catholic life. When you attend Mass, you’re not just listening to a lecture or singing a few hymns. You are literally stepping into heaven’s worship. The same Jesus who walked the earth 2,000 years ago comes to meet us in the Eucharist - body, blood, soul, and divinity. That’s why Catholics keep showing up, week after week, century after century.

Humor Break #2

Of course, not every Mass feels like heaven. Sometimes the music is off-key, the homily goes on too long, and the toddler in the next pew 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.

Action Step

Here’s your assignment for the week:

Go to Sunday Mass.
Pay attention to two things: the people and the prayers. Look around at the people - that’s your new family. Listen to the prayers - they’ve been prayed for centuries.
After Mass, stay a few minutes. Say hello to the priest or deacon. Let them know you’re in OCIA. You’ll be amazed how warmly you’re welcomed.

Closing

So why does faith matter? Because without it, life is just survival. With it, life becomes a story - a story where you are known, loved, and called by name. OCIA isn’t about getting through a course. It’s about beginning a lifelong relationship with God and His Church. This is just the first step. Next time, we’ll dive into the most important figure in human history - and in your future: Jesus Christ. Who He is, why He matters, and what it means to follow Him. Until then, remember: show up to Mass, say hello to someone new, and don’t be afraid to laugh along the way. The Catholic Church is big enough to hold your questions, your quirks, and yes, even your sense of humor.

Class Supplement designed to accompany you on a transformative journey of faith and discovery.

Next class:
OCIA Session 2: Who is Jesus Christ? – True God and True Man