The RCIA/OCIA Process at St. Stephen is year-round.  We welcome you to inquire any time of year.  A person's faith journey always begins with God's initiation. God's presence can feel like a knocking door, a curiosity, a sense of wonder, a longing for healing, and inner peace. Mysteriously, faith gradually changes from belief in something to belief in Someone with a desire to know that person even more.

In-person sessions begin September 15, 2024, at 10:45 am at the Family Life Center, Rooms 2 - 6.  If you have not had an opportunity to register, please contact Rosie Bridges at 813-671-4434.  

                                   Christian Initiation of Adults | USCCB

Review the RCIA/OCIA Process

RCIA/OCIA Information/Registration Form 2024-2025

Godparent/Sponsor Eligibility Form 

RCIA/OCIA for Youth (Middle & High School)

RCIA/OCIA for Youth:  If you are a youth in Middle and High School and have not celebrated your Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist), please contact the Office of Faith Formation at 813-671-4434 for more information.  

More than 700 people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg on February 18, 2024, for the Rite of Election. At this prayer service, Bishop Gregory Parkes recognized and welcomed adults and young people who are on the path to becoming Catholic. He called them “Elect” for the first time and acknowledged that they will be fully initiated into the Catholic Church at the Great Easter Vigil when they will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.
    Thank you, Fr. Dermot, our RCIA/OCIA Team, and our parish community, for your continued support and prayers for our new Elect! 

https://www.dosp.org/welcoming-you-with-open-arms/becoming-catholic/

THE JOURNEY OF FAITH - AN INVITATION THAT NEVER ENDS! 

A Journey of Discovery into the Catholic Faith  

Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith? God invites each of us into a deeper relationship with Him in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. Whatever led you to this moment, our hope is that you will respond to God’s call.   

The Order of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA/OCIA) is a process for bringing into the Catholic Church both those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) and those who were baptized in a non-Catholic Church (Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church). RCIA also includes adult baptized Catholics who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation – Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.  Those who are not baptized will celebrate their Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.  Those who are baptized are brought into Full Communion of the Catholic Church during the year.   We invite anyone who desires to be part of the Catholic Church or who is inquiring to call the Office of Faith Formation at 813-671-4434.

Do you know someone who has asked questions about the Catholic Faith?  Invite them to find out more about our RCIA/OCIA Process here at St. Stephen.  Or a non-Catholic simply interested in learning more about the Catholic faith?  The goal of the RCIA/OCIA process is the preparation of adults who wish to enter the Roman Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. You will learn about the beliefs, practices, and truths of our Catholic faith with a focus on spiritual growth. Our gatherings are held on Sunday morning following the 9:30 a.m. Mass at the Family Life Center.   We also offer Tuesday evening Inquiry online gatherings each week. 

RCIA/OCIA for Youth:  If you are a youth in Middle and High School and have not celebrated your Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation & First Holy Communion) please contact the Office of Faith Formation for more information.  

Role of a Sponsor:   We Need You!
 Sponsors:  Are you interested in volunteering to become a sponsor,  being someone's companion on their spiritual journey?

If you would like to sponsor (be a companion) for a person coming into the Church, you are required to be at least 16 years of age and a confirmed practicing Catholic and if married, married in the Catholic Church. Please consider a rewarding ministry and discover how much you will learn as you walk with your candidate on this beautiful journey.  Please allow us to welcome you!

Please click to email Rosie at Rosie Bridges@ststephencatholic.org 
Office of Faith Formation