Sacraments

Order of Christian initiation of Adults

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process for individuals.....

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism...

First Communion

The Holy Eucharist is the second step in Christian initiation. The sacrament of first Eucharist is offered to children in second grade or older in the spring of each year...

Confirmation

There is a formation process that culmina- tes with the Sacrament of Confirmation, celebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic...

Holy Matrimony

Holy Scripture affirms that man and woman were created for one another. As Catholics, we consider marriage a sacrament – a sign of God’s everlasting...

Reconciliation

Reconciliation (Confession) is the Sacrament that celebrates the forgiving love and mercy of God. It is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation because...

Anointing the Sick

Jesus’ ministry to the sick was important to Him. Christ willed that his Church should continue his work of healing and salvation through the Sacraments of Penance...

Funerals

Funerals are a liturgical celebration of the Church. A Catholic funeral brings hope, peace, and renewal. The rites are both beautiful and sacred and provide...

Request Sacramental Records

To request a sacramental record, please contact the Parish Administrator. To receive your record, you must upload..

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St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

Welcoming all people to worship God in the African American Catholic Spirituality.

307 Gower Street, Greenville, SC 29611

Parish Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am-4pm

Becoming Catholic (OCIA)

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

What is OCIA (formerly, RCIA)?

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process involves the parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. This “spiritual journey” is centered on nurturing a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded. The spiritual journey of faith and conversion involves learning about the Catholic Church's beliefs, life, liturgy, and apostolic work. The process takes place over a period of time and includes a reflective period where the inquirer connects their own story to the gospel of Jesus. The journey uses several stages to bring about a comprehensive catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.

Who is OCIA for?

1. Persons in need of Baptism.
2. Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
3. Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.

How long is the OCIA process?

Our current process is about 9-10 months for most people. We typically start in the fall of the year and end the process after Pentecost. We are reviewing our particular process and may change it as we go forward.

What is the process?

The Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) is a gradual process by which an interested person becomes a member of the Catholic Church. OCIA, marks the various steps on the way to full commitment within the Catholic Church in five specific periods.

Periods of the OCIA Process:

Period of Inquiry:

This a time to understand what the Catholic faith is about and am I called to embrace it

The Period of Catechumenate:

During this period the instruction deepens individual conversion and provides for more in-depth focus on the doctrines of the Catholic faith.

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment:

This period begins a more intense spiritual preparation intended to purify the mind and heart of the “Elect” and to deepen their knowledge of and relationship to Christ. This period typically coincides with Lent.

The Sacraments of Initiation:

Those who are ready are fully initiated into the Church through the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. This is traditionally celebrated at the Easter Vigil liturgy.

The Period of Mystagogy:

After the completion of their Christian initiation the “Neophyte” (new Catholic) enters a period of deepening of their understanding of their new faith. Their focus during this period is to deepen their personal spiritual life and introduction into full involvement in Church through ministries and outreach.

Interested in learning more?

Fill out the inquiry form, located here: OCIA Information Form After you complete this form, you will be contacted by the OCIA Director for an informal meeting to go over your form and any questions you may have regarding the Catholic Faith. This is also a time to get to know you better and to explain the details of the RCIA process. If you would prefer not to fill out the inquiry form, please contact the parish office.

Baptism

At St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, parents must be parishioners and attend a Baptism Preparation Class with their Godparent(s) unless excused. The preparation class is held on the third Thursday of the each month at 6:00 pm in the St. Anthony’s Classroom (Classroom A or B). It is designed to give parents a firm understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism, and the meaning of the words, gestures, sacramentals, clothing, and prayers that are used in the Baptism.

During the class the parents will complete the Baptism Registration Form, learn how to schedule their child’s Baptism and learn about Godparents. St. Anthony requires that one Godparent be Catholic. A Godparent that is not a parishioner of St. Anthony’s must provide a letter of good standing from their Church. Parents and Godparents can email Deacon Dexter Gourdin at dextergourdin@charlestondiocese.org with their questions.

Kyle Hall Director Of Administration w/email - kyle.hall@charlestondiocese.org

First Communion

The Holy Eucharist is the second step in Christian initiation. The sacrament of first Eucharist is offered to children in second grade or older in the spring of each year. Preparation is done via Religious Education at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, unless the child attends religious classes at a Catholic school. Special considerations are available. For information on Religious Education, contact Debra Drennon at DDrennon@charlestondiocese.org.

Baptized adults, who desire the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation for the first time, may participate in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) or by special arrangement. Candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices. For information on RCIA, contact Deacon Phil Allen at philallen@charlestondiocese.org or tel: 864-967-4263.

Confirmation

There is a formation process that culminates with the Sacrament of Confirmation, celebrated by the Bishop of Diocese of Charleston. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church provides excellent catechesis which aims to strengthen and invigorate the faith life of the young Church. Religious Education classes are held every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The date of Confirmation is decided by the Bishop each year.

To register your child for Confirmation, please contact Debra Drennon at DDrennon@charlestondiocese.org.

Holy Matrimony

Holy Scripture affirms that man and woman were created for one another. As Catholics, we consider marriage a sacrament – a sign of God’s everlasting love.

All couples wishing to be married at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church are assumed to be parishioners and will need to make an appointment to meet with the Pastor. The process of preparing for your marriage is an opportunity to learn and grow in your love for one another and your dependence on God, the source of married life.

Please call the Parish Office to schedule an appointment at 864-233-7717, ext. 2

Reconciliation

Reconciliation (Confession) is the Sacrament that celebrates the forgiving love and mercy of God. It is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation because through it we acknowledge and confess our sins and are reconciled to both God and the Church.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to all on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m and Saturday from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm or by appointment.

To set an appointment, call 864-233-7717, ext. 2.

Anointing of the Sick

Jesus’ ministry to the sick was important to Him. Christ willed that his Church should continue his work of healing and salvation through the Sacraments of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is extended to those who are experiencing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can be repeated. It is no longer reserved for end of life issues but certainly call when passing is imminent.

Please contact the Parish Office at 864-233-7717, ext. 2, if you, or someone you know, is in need of this sacrament. In the event that this is an emergency, please contact Kyle Hall - 205-835-0189 or Father Emerson - 864-233-7717, ext. 1.

Funerals

Funerals are a liturgical celebration of the Church. A Catholic funeral brings hope, peace, and renewal. The rites are both beautiful and sacred and provide consistency, dignity, and solemnity. The spirit is one of thanksgiving.

Funeral rites should never be scheduled without consulting the parish first. Funerals are not celebrated on Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, or Thursday through Saturday of Holy Week.

There are wonderful occasions for common prayer at the time of funerals, such as a vigil or wake, the funeral liturgy within or outside the Mass, the Rite of Committal at the burial place, and memorial services for mourners

Please call Director of Administration Kyle Hall 864-233-7717, Ext 2 for more information

Request Sacramental Records

To request a sacramental record, please contact the Parish Administrator. To receive your record.

Please contact the Parish Office at 864-233-7717, ext. 5, if you, or someone you know, is in need of this sacrament. In the event that this is an emergency, please contact Mary Corner at 864-561-8651 or Father Wilbroad Mwape at 864-233-7717, ext. 7.

To request a sacramental record, please contact the Parish Administrator. To receive your record. Please contact Kyle Hall Director of Administration at 864-233-7717, ext. 2 to receive your records.