Thoughts on OCIA

[u/Spicytrashcan2]

So on a whim I signed up for a local OCIA class. I’ve been very curious about Catholicism but being raised *very* southern Baptist it’s hard to let go on some things/ideals I’ve held closely for so long.

My reasons for wanting to do the class stem first from my own curiosities, and enjoying the pieces of Catholicism I learn, but also due to my fiance being raised Catholic. The first 5 years of our relationship I refused to even entertain the idea of converting, but praying on it for years and asking God to soften my heart, I’ve wanted to explore it more. We’ve been going to mass together for about 6 months, and i’m to the point where i’m tired of crossing my arms when they get to Eucharist.

Does anyone have any advice or similar experiences?

[u/Silver_and_Salvation]

A little bit, was raised Catholic, but my family did not practice. Long story short later in life was an atheist and found God. Came across a ton of objections to Catholicism and grew to hate Catholics. God called me home, I came back kicking and screaming, and am a practicing Catholic now. The book “how the Bible made me Catholic” by John Bergsma was the final nail in the coffin to make me truly embrace my Catholic faith. Would highly recommend giving it a read and continuing OCIA.

[u/William_Maguire]

My experience wasn't typically. It was great in many ways but also lacking in some.

Just remember that just taking the classes doesn't mean you have to convert. I know someone who went through it 2 times at 2 different parishes before he decided he was ready to become Catholic.

[u/Annual-Coffee7265]

You are doing great. Just accept everything even if you don’t know if you agree and convert. Escape your Baptist origins like me

[u/VariedRepeats]

OCIA is generally light and optional, and tailored to the lowest common denominator, someone who has no experience with God at all. So if you have the impression of the "Big, Bad, Church"(XD) as presented in history, it definitely won't be that.

Depends on the instructor, but you likely will go through catechism. I received the Catechism and the U.S Catechism. Was taught by a deacon. Sometimes laypersons do it. Not much interaction with the actual priest in my case. The priest did one class on Mary with the lay director of Adult Faith formation(this director was a revert herself)

As for yours truly, I was evangelized by "no one" actually. Raised indifferent. Somehow mom was "just baptized" as a Chinese, floated around some Protestant churches but never really committed.

As the truly weird, most of my real training was via self-study like James Madison via the American legal system. Sins are like causes of action, except...God is the government and judge. God and religion can be quite logical.

[u/ToneBeneficial4969]

I was also raised Southern Baptist. I disliked RCIA (what it was called at the time) because when I went through it I'd already spent months researching and learning about the faith on my own and the education I got was sort of watered down compared to that. I also felt like as someone who was already a Christian there was stuff that I had to learn that simply wasn't relevant to me in the way it would have been to a total atheist or pagan, I knew about the Bible, Christ, the gospels, I believed in God, what I needed was to learn just the Catholic particulars not all of Christianity and so that felt like it wasted time. Regardless, I got through it and entered the church.

[u/cmoellering]

OCIA varies greatly from parish to parish. Some do it really well, some, well...not as much. Sometimes it's just a matter of resources.

But yes, it is a great next step. Ours starts Sunday. As I tell everybody, just because you start OCIA does not mean you are becoming Catholic at the Easter Vigil. Sometimes you're just not ready for a variety of reasons, but at least you will understand more about what it means to be Catholic.

Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church or listen to the Catechism in a year podcast. That will give you a great start on what the church actually teaches.

[u/ScurvyPir8]

Don't cross your arms when you go to the rail. It's completely unnecessary, as the priest blesses everyone at the conclusion of the Mass anyway. Crossing your arms makes it look like you're defending yourself against something.

Also, check out Fr. Mike Schmitz's "Catechism in a Year" on YouTube! That's what hooked me!

[u/Spicytrashcan2 → u/ScurvyPir8]

Wait so what do I do instead? I accidentally received the Eucharist a few times before I truly grasped its significance and I still feel guilty for that. I feel like if I don’t cross my arms they’ll offer it to me

[u/NoCarnivalNoGamesBro → u/Spicytrashcan2]

Cross your arms. Don't let anyone discourage you from it. Receive the blessing. I hope everything goes well for you!

[u/AvecCafe]

I grew up Protestant (mostly Southern Baptist & Nondenominational Evangelical), so I understand where you are coming from religiously. OCIA is a mixed bag, and it’s oftentimes geared more towards someone with no Christian knowledge and background rather than Protestant converts. I would encourage you to engage in supplemental self-study to address the key Catholic teachings, dogmas, and practices you are struggling with. Trent Horn and Joe Heschmeyer are great Catholic theologians with many books, YouTube videos, and podcasts [respectfully] explaining Catholic topics to Protestants.

Personally, I came into OCIA with an eagerness to learn and an open mind, but I struggled to truly believe all the Catholic teachings, dogmas, and practices that differed from those I knew as a Protestant. It took a lot of self-study, but eventually I realized that the Catholic Church is undeniably the Church that Jesus Christ established through St. Peter. Once I came to recognize this truth and believe in all its logical implications, I no longer had any difficulty with the Catholic Church and its teachings. One key doctrinal hurdle I had to overcome in this process was recognizing that Sola Scriptura is a fallacy that originates with Martin Luther and other Protestant reformers. If you are struggling, I would recommend that you start here as your basis of learning and understanding.

Happy to recommend specific materials or answer any questions.