If you are interested in joining our OCIA classes, please read the information on this page and complete the inquirer intake form below.

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The Christian life is about following Jesus.  It is living a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in a way that changes your life. If you are already Christian, we invite you to deepen that relationship by experiencing Christ through His Church. If you are not Christian, come, see what it’s all about. Being Catholic is more than a way of thinking or worshiping; it is an all-encompassing way of living life together as a community, knowing and loving Jesus though His Church, serving God and each other.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, known as OCIA in the Catholic Church, is the restoration of the ancient practice of initiating adults in the Catholic Christian community. Christian initiation is concerned with the fundamental values of the Christian way of life.  At Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the OCIA process helps many respond to God’s call.  Together, the OCIA community discerns and welcomes God’s invitation to embrace life in the Catholic Christian community. 

There are 4 periods in the initiation process: 
~ Period of Inquiry
~ Period of Catechumenate
~ Period of Purification and Enlightenment
~ Period of Mystagogy.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help provides OCIA to both English and Spanish speakers. Para español comuníquese a la oficina al 423-622-7232. If you are interested in learning more about OCIA contact Mary Pat Haywood at  [email protected] or call the church office 423-622-7232.

Questions/Answers:
 
I have already been baptized. Do I need to be baptized again?
In several Christian denominations, Baptism is performed using water (full immersion or pouring over the head) and the Trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit), and is a valid Baptism according to the Catholic Church. In this case one would not 
Trinitarian formula, you may still need to be baptized conditionally, before making your profession of Catholic faith. Refer to this list of valid Baptisms. 
 
You will need to present evidence of your Baptism, either a certificate or letter from the church where you were baptized, or an affidavit filled out by yourself (if you were old enough to remember) or someone who witnessed your Baptism. Download affidavit of Baptism here.
 
How does the Church view marriages that have been witnessed outside the Catholic Church? 
 People approaching full communion with the Catholic Church are in various situations of marriage that need to be addressed differently. Find out about the various marriage situations and how the irregular ones can be regularized by reading this explanation of Marriage Situations written by Fr. David Carter,  Rector and the Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal of Knoxville.  Also please read Fr. Carter's sermon about Marriage that clarifies Jesus' teaching about marriage. 
 
Does the Church welcome those who experience same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria?
Unjust discrimination against people struggling with same-sex attraction or gender identity is not part of the Catholic faith. 
Individuals who experience same-sex attractions are called to chastity in their respective state of life, as are all human
beings. For married people, this means an exclusive, faithful relationship which is open to the possibility of having children. For
single people, this means abstaining from sexual intimacy and fostering authentic friendships.
 
Courage International is a Catholic apostolate that helps men and women who experience same-sex attractions to strive for chastity. Encourage is the counterpart apostolate for family and friends of people who identify as LGBTQ, who are looking for help to keep the faith and keep their family bonds intact.