Curious About the Catholic Faith?
We are thrilled you are here!
Have you ever wondered what Catholics believe, how we worship, or what it means to follow Jesus in the Catholic Church?
Perhaps you are thinking about becoming Catholic. Maybe you were baptized in another Christian tradition. Or perhaps you simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith and see where your journey leads.
Whatever brings you here, you are welcome at Holy Family.
We invite you to explore the Catholic faith in a welcoming environment where you can ask questions, learn, pray, and discover what it means to live in relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
You Are Welcome Here.
You don’t have to know exactly where your journey is leading. Start by being curious.
Whether you are seriously considering becoming Catholic, looking for a deeper relationship with God, or simply want to understand what the Catholic Church teaches, we invite you to take the next step.
Come explore the faith with us. We would be honored to accompany you on your journey.
For more information on becoming Catholic, please email our Adult Sacraments Team at adultsacraments@holyfamilyorlando.org
Are you baptized?
Yes
Adult Sacraments
For those individuals who have already been validly baptized in a different Christian denomination using the Trinitarian formula (“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”), there is a simpler process of becoming Catholic. In this case, these individuals are brought into Full Communion with the Catholic Church. In order for this to be completed, the baptized person will need to make a public profession of faith and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. These celebrations are scheduled at various times throughout the year.
For more information on being received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church, please email adultsacraments@holyfamilyorlando.org
No
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
1. Initial Inquiry
- Period of time to become more acquainted with the Catholic Church and her teachings.
- Also a time to hear the Good News of salvation offered to us by Jesus Christ and to look within one’s own life story, seeing connections to or needs for the message of the Gospel
2. Catechumenate
- Those who have already come to faith in Jesus as Savior and sincerely desire to become members of the Catholic Church
- Catechumens gather with the Catholic community on Sundays for the Liturgy of the Word (the first part of Mass). After the homily, they are dismissed for reflection on the readings proclaimed at Mass.
3. Elect (Period of Purification/Illumination)
- Takes place during the six weeks of Lent, leading up to and preparing the Elect for the celebration of the Easter sacraments
- Begins with the Rite of Election at the National Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe with Bishop presiding
- Throughout Lent, special prayers, called Scrutinies, are offered at the Sunday Eucharist for the catechumens and candidates. These prayers are for strengthening in grace and virtue and for purification from all past evil and from any bonds which hinder them from experiencing the love of God.
4. Reception of the Sacraments
- By the waters of baptism, a person passes into the new life of grace and becomes a member of the Body of Christ.
- Anointing with special holy oil called Chrism, which seals the initiation by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Participation at the Table of the Lord in the Eucharist marks full membership in the Church.
5. Mystagogy
- Those who received the Easter Sacraments are now known as Neophytes
- Mystagogy is the period of time from Easter Sunday to the Feast of Pentecost when those who received the Easter Sacraments (now known as Neophytes) reflect on the graces received.
- It is a time of discerning how to more fully participate in the mission of Christ of bring the Gospel into the world and being true disciples of Jesus.
Unsure if you are baptized or not?
This is common. Do not worry. Please reach out to Karen at adultsacraments@holyfamilyorlando.org to walk this path with you.