OCIA Update: You’re Invited!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the OCIA Open House on Wednesday, June 17. We had a wonderful turnout despite the rain and wind, and we are grateful for your interest in learning more about the Catholic Church and the OCIA process at St. Hugo of the Hills.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic, it is not too late to join us. OCIA begins Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the 10:00 a.m. Mass, followed by our first Welcome Gathering. Come on your own, bring a friend, or invite a family member who may be interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is for adults who are unbaptized, baptized Christians from another tradition, or baptized Catholics who have not yet received Confirmation or Eucharist. Fully initiated Catholics are also welcome to participate as a way to reconnect with the teachings, beauty, and meaning of the Catholic faith. We simply ask fully initiated Catholics to speak with Deacon Chris Stark before joining. Contact christopher.stark@sthugo.org or 248-283-2213.
Beginning in August, OCIA will be offered twice each week. Sunday morning gatherings begin August 2 and are led by Amanda Hammou, Director of Youth and Young Adults, with a focus that may especially appeal to young adults. Sessions begin with 10:00 a.m. Mass, followed by reflection and instruction.
Wednesday evening gatherings begin August 5 at 6:30 p.m. and are led by Deacon Chris Stark, with a focus that may especially appeal to adults. Both options are open to everyone, so choose the gathering that works best for your schedule.
Please help us spread the word. OCIA is a welcoming opportunity for anyone seeking faith, community, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, especially newcomers to the greater Bloomfield Hills area. All are welcome!
St. Hugo’s is pleased to launch a new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, becoming Catholic, or deepening their understanding of the Church.
To accommodate busy schedules, we are offering two weekly options that cover the same material:
· Sunday Mornings – Open to all, and geared primarily toward young adults, this session will be led by Amanda Hammou beginning with the 10:00 a.m. Mass, followed by reflection and instruction.
· Wednesday Evenings – Led by Deacon Chris Stark, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with Scripture reflection and catechetical formation.
In addition, fully initiated Catholics who wish to deepen their understanding of the faith are welcome to explore participation in the Wednesday sessions.
Please note: Those fully initiated parishioners who are interested in participating within the OCIA program must contact Deacon Chris Stark or attend the Open House prior to attending the sessions to discuss their spiritual goals and determine whether this program is the best fit for their needs.
To determine if this program is for you, contact:
Deacon Chris Stark at Christopher.Stark@sthugo.org or call 248-283-2213
Director of Evangelization & Family Discipleship
For information about the Sunday sessions, contact:
Amanda Hammou at Amanda.Hammou@sthugo.org
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Becoming Catholic
Becoming Catholic and Entering into the Fullness of the Christian Faith
When asked, “Why would someone want to become Catholic?,” there are usually three common answers that are offered. First, “To have a relationship with God.” Catholicism teaches that God knows, loves, and invites each person into a relationship. Meaning, to have a deep, personal, and abiding connection with God. The second reason some might offer is, “To find meaning, hope, and a sense of purpose in life.” Many are drawn to the Catholic Church because it offers answers about why we exist, how to live, and what ultimate hope looks like…even in suffering. The third common reason that is often cited as to why someone would want to become Catholic is, “To follow the example and teachings of Jesus.” Jesus’ life and His ministry emphasizes love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and self-giving, which many people find to be deeply compelling and life-giving.
Question: Do these responses resonate with you? Are any of these reasons compelling enough for you to want to become Catholic? Maybe…maybe not.
Here’s another to consider, “Why should I want to become Catholic?” Because it’s true.
The Roman Catholic Church, by its very nature, embodies the fullness of the Christian faith. Meaning that ‘the Church, founded by Jesus Christ, “subsists in” (continues to exist fully in) The Catholic Church.’ -Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)
The Catholic faith is not fiction. It is not folklore. It is not fantasy. It is not a philosophy.
It’s a Fact! The Catholic Faith is True.
Jesus Christ really IS the son of the living God. Jesus really did live among us; teaching, preaching, healing, curing, praying, and showing us the way to the Father. Jesus truly did die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins – and He rose from the dead, so that we might have access to everlasting life with God in a place of happiness, light, and peace. He is ‘the way, the truth, and the life.’ -John 14:16 He came ‘that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’ -John 10:10 And Jesus Christ left us His Church (The Roman Catholic Church) to teach, preach, and proclaim The Good News! All true. All factual. All historically accurate. All because ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.’ -John 3:16
The Catholic Church, in its very essence, is the instrument of salvation that has been handed on by Jesus Christ, to His apostles, for the sanctification of the world. Which means, Jesus wants His world back, and the Catholic Church is the mechanism that He created in order to rescue His creation from sin, and its consequence – death.
How does someone become Catholic?
For many, it simply begins with an invitation. For others, it is because of the witness of admired family members and friends. For everyone, it is rooted in prayer and self-reflection. “Lord, who are You calling me to be…to become?”
Becoming Catholic is a journey, not simply a destination.
Being a Catholic means that you are someone who has experienced a life-giving conversion (pivot) toward Jesus. Being Catholic means that you have freely embraced and received all of the Church’s Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.)
Being Catholic is both an opportunity and a responsibility. The Church takes seriously this dual nature of what it means to be Catholic. Our faith in Jesus and how we live our response to our faith speaks to who we are as a people of God and as individuals within a community. Becoming Catholic is not something that can be simply rushed into, or through. There are no ‘three basic steps,’ and then voila your initiated! Becoming Catholic is a journey of formation. It is a path toward becoming.
The first step to becoming Catholic is OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)
OCIA is a program of prayer, study, reflection, dialogue, worship, service, and liturgical rites (official forms of celebrating public worship) for those wishing to enter the Catholic Church. OCIA is geared toward three main audiences of individuals:
- The unbaptized. Adults and children over the age of seven (seven being consider ‘the age of reason.’) who have never been baptized and wish to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
- Other Christians. Those who have been baptized within another valid Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
- Un-catechized Catholics. Those adults who were baptized Catholic, but for whatever reason, did not receive religious instruction or receive the sacraments of Holy Eucharist or Confirmation.
How to begin?
Begin by contacting Deacon Chris Stark, Director of Evangelization and Family Discipleship
Direct Line: 248-283-2213
All are welcome!
OCIA Team
If you are interesting in being an OCIA sponsor, please contact Deacon Christopher Stark at christopher.stark@sthugo.org or 248-283-2213
