If you are an individual who has not yet been baptized, or if you have been baptized but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation, and you are looking to deepen your faith, we’re so glad you’re here!
We invite you to learn more about the process through which we welcome or reconnect you with the Catholic Church. The journey is guided by members of our parish community, but is ultimately a personal journey in which you will grow in your identity as a Catholic.
To learn more about how St. Pius X can be part of your faith journey, please contact Justin Wiltse at jwiltse@spxcatholic.org.
FAQ
What is OCIA?
OCIA stands for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, the Church’s official process for becoming Catholic. It’s a journey that prepares adults to receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.
But, it’s so much more than just instruction. It’s a supportive community of disciples discerning and growing in faith together.
What are the steps of OCIA?
Inquiry Stage – At this stage, there is no commitment, it is meant to create a safe space to ask questions and to satisfy curiosity about what it means to be a Catholic Christian. Inquiry classes happen throughout the year depending on participants’ interest and availability.
Catechumenate Stage – Catechumenate is the next stage after Inquiry. It marks a readiness to commit and a more formal preparation process. At this time, they becomes a catechumen, or a learner in faith. Catechumens meet regularly with other catechumens and a team of catechists for a period of time to learn in more depth about the content, meaning and lifestyle of Catholic Christian faith.
Purification & Enlightenment Stage – When a catechumen feels ready to enter into a formal and final period of preparation for full Initiation into the Church, they celebrate the Rite of Election, in which the bishop of the diocese formally selects catechumens for this final preparation period. The former catechumens are at this point known as the “Elect,” that is, the “chosen.” This reminds them and the entire Church community that our membership in the Church comes through a call from God and our response to this call.
The Elect spend the season of Lent in a soul-searching process of examining.
Who can attend?
If you…
- have never been baptized but now feel drawn to explore it
- have been baptized in another Christian Tradition, but now you want to continue your faith journey in the Catholic Church
- have been baptized in the Catholic Church, but never received the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation
- have children in the third grade or above whom you would like to have Baptized
OCIA may be for you!
If you have any other questions about OCIA or becoming Catholic, please submit them here.
Meet The Team
Justin Wiltse
I am the Pastoral Associate for Christian Initiation here at St. Pius X Parish. I am a husband, father of four boys, and a lifelong Catholic who has been involved in various aspects of Church ministry. One of the best things about this ministry is the privilege of getting to walk with people on their journey of faith to know, love and serve Christ and His Church. This is my favorite part, and I am excited you are here and seeking the Lord. Whether you are just thinking about Catholicism for the first time or have been coming to Mass for years and have never taken the step to become Catholic, we are here to serve you.Please reach out to me at jwiltse@spxcatholic.org with any questions you might have and to begin your journey into the Catholic Church. I look forward to meeting with you!
I became Catholic through the OCIA process in 2000. I have been married since 2001 and have five children. I am teach Chemistry at Grand Valley State University and have been teaching in OCIA since 2007. I look forward to discussing the Catholic faith with you.
I am a cradle Catholic. My husband, Sean, went through the OCIA process in 2007 the year before our daughter, Katelyn, received her First Communion. It was at that time that I was asked to be a member of the OCIA team, then at St. John Vianney. I’m so grateful to have been able to continue this work at St. Pius X. EVERY year I am touched, inspired and renewed by those choosing our wonderful faith. I hope I can bring knowledge, comfort and confidence to those who are starting their journey towards Catholicism. All are welcome in this place!
I am a widow. We were married 48 years. We are blessed with 5 children and 16 grandbabies. I am a retired Grand Rapids Public School teacher. I needed to belong to a structured and relaxed religion. I attended the OCIA process in 2021-2022. I learned a great deal. The Holy Spirit stayed with me as I smiled and received Christ’s peace. I have met wonderful people here at St. Pius X. OCIA was a joyful adventure and personal life journey for me as I spent time with my “classmates.” I look forward to meeting anyone who is thinking about this wonderful journey to becoming a Catholic.
My wife and I raised our son and daughter here in Grandville, and have been parishioners at SPX for 32 years. We have 4 grandchildren and are both recently retired. I was raised Catholic and got involved in OCIA to learn more about my faith. I ended up becoming a catechist because I wanted to share the Catholic faith with others and help them to experience what I had come to understand about the beauty of Catholicism.