Each year, our OCIA program begins these classes in the Fall. Meetings will be held in our Pastoral Center located at 14 Beacon Street Greenfield MA, Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm.
If you have questions or think you might be interested in joining our next session, please reach out to us through our parish office at 413-773-3311 or [email protected].
Additional FAQs.
Must I commit to the Catholic Church?
Eventually. We realize that many people are searching and need to know more about the Church before they make such a commitment. And that’s ok- we welcome that! We also realize that Catholicism is not for everyone. We ask for no firm commitment until the beginning of Lent.
What kind of commitment am I making?
By joining the OCIA process, we ask that you make a two-fold commitment - to the process itself and to have an open heart and mind. Throughout the process, there are weekly classes, various rites (Church services/celebrations), and Mass attendance. We are asking you to commit to these regular meetings, which may mean giving up something for a time that may conflict with our meetings. Know that the sacrifice would be for a limited time and that it will be worth the effort.
What personal information must I provide to the OCIA Team?
We will need your religious background information and a copy of your baptismal record or certificate if it exists. Finally, we will ask you questions about yourself - who you are, where you are from, your interests, and what brought you here. These help us get to know you so we can truly help you through this process. In addition, we will need to completely understand your marital history so we can determine if there is a need for an annulment or convalidation. All information is kept confidential.
If I was already baptized in another Faith, must I be re-baptized into the Catholic Church?
No! There is only one Baptism. Candidates seeking full Communion within the Catholic Church will not be baptized again. They will simply make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
Where can I find my baptismal record or certificate?
Please call the church where you were baptized, as nearly all churches archive their baptismal records and other sacramental records. If the church does not exist anymore, or the record/certificate is irretrievable, then a copy of some kind of documentation of your baptism (i.e., a program from the baptism, pictures, a page from a family bible that shows the date and church of the baptism) will suffice. If truly nothing exists, then a letter from a witness detailing the event will normally be accepted.
What if I can’t make each meeting?
While we know that life circumstances can intrude during this process, it is absolutely essential that you make every attempt to be present for all classes and all scheduled activities. If for some reason you cannot be present, please contact us prior to the class or activity. We will make available the material you miss.
If you have additional questions or think you might be interested in joining our next session, please reach out to Sandee Mizula through our parish office at 413-773-3311 or [email protected].