People have chosen to enter the Catholic Church for various reasons.  Members of the Church have different understandings of what makes them Catholic or why they are Catholic.  However, there is a common thread that binds all Catholics together.  Catholics belong to a Christ-centered faith community that views Jesus Christ as the foundation.  Catholics share Jesus’ vision and model their lives after Jesus’ example of love.  Catholics are called to care for one another and to use their unique gifts and talents for the good of the community and the world. 

Parishes welcome new members into the Catholic Church through a process of education, faith sharing, and rituals known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly known as RCIA). This process includes several stages marked by prayer, study, and discussion. 

While OCIA is for those who have never been baptized, St. Joseph's Church also has a wonderful process to walk alongside those who have been baptized in another faith or those who wish to complete their initiation into the faith by receiving the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and/or the Sacrament of Confirmation.  

If you or someone you know, would like more information about this process, please contact the Office of Faith Formation at ext. 2225 or the Director Michelle Abi-Yaghi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..