Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation
Holy Name of Jesus Parish hosts many events, retreats, and speakers throughout the year to help adults grow in their faith. Check back on this page, follow us on social media, or read the parish bulletin to learn how to register for these moments of encounter with Jesus.
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Small Groups
What is a small group?
A small group “fosters personal relationships, builds community, and provides formation to help parishioners grow as joyful missionary disciples of Christ.”
– Archbishop Hebda, You Will Be My Witnesses (2022)
Why Join a Small Group?
Jesus began his Church in a small group. At HNOJ, we follow the same model.
While we’re blessed with a large, dynamic parish, it can sometimes feel overwhelming or easy to think, “I’m just another number.”
You’re not just another number. Small groups help you:
- Meet people with similar interests at HNOJ
- Build authentic friendships and a supportive community
- Deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ
Whether you’re new or have been here for years, small groups are a way to belong and grow.
How to Get Started
- Browse current groups on our Group Vitals software and reach out to a leader.
- Not sure where to begin? Contact Tim Lyngdal and he’ll help you find a group that fits.
- Have a topic you wish you could study? Let us know.
- Want to start your own group? We can help, and Tim is happy to meet with you.
Learn More
We’re eager to help every parishioner get connected to their faith family. If you’re ready to get connected or just want to talk about what group might be right for you, reach out to Tim Lyngdal at 763-746-8190.
Curious about Catholicism?
Have you been coming to HNOJ for a while and wonder if it’s time to become Catholic? Do you want to share the same faith as your spouse or children?
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), formerly called RCIA, is the process by which adults enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Each year, a group of people journey together, learning about Catholic teaching and practice, preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
Who should join OCIA?
- Anyone curious about the Catholic faith (you don’t have to commit to becoming Catholic right away).
- Baptized Christians who want to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
- Unbaptized adults and youth (over age seven) seeking Baptism.
- Catholics who want to deepen their understanding and practice of the faith.
Holy Name of Jesus Parish typically offers both an adult cohort and a youth cohort that meet separately.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in OCIA, here are a few easy steps:
- Contact Claudia Rabaey (763-745-3492) or Chris Kostelc (763-745-3489).
- Attend an Inquiry Session: informal gatherings where you can ask questions and learn more
OCIA Schedule at Holy Name of Jesus Parish
Weekly sessions begin Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, from 7–8:30 pm
The journey culminates at the Easter Vigil, when participants receive the Sacraments of Initiation:
- Baptism (for the unbaptized)
- Confirmation and Eucharist (for the newly baptized and those baptized in other Christian traditions)
The Four Stages of OCIA
The OCIA journey unfolds gradually in four distinct stages. Each stage is marked by prayer, learning, and a liturgical rite that celebrates the participant’s step forward in faith. Together, these stages provide both structure and spiritual depth for those preparing to enter the Catholic Church.
- Inquiry: This is a time to ask questions, learn about Catholicism, and explore your faith journey. The Inquiry stage concludes with the Rite of Welcome/Acceptance, usually in November. In this rite, participants are publicly recognized by the Church as seekers of Christ, and they in turn acknowledge the Catholic Church as their spiritual home.
- Formation: During this stage, participants are formed in the teachings and way of life of the Catholic faith through Scripture, catechesis, and community. The Formation stage ends with the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent, when the Church affirms participants as the “elect,” chosen to continue toward full initiation.
- Enlightenment and Purification: This period, which coincides with Lent, is a time of deeper prayer, reflection, and openness to the Holy Spirit. It culminates at the Easter Vigil, when participants receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (for the unbaptized), Confirmation, and Eucharist. This is the moment of full membership in the Catholic Church.
- Mystagogy: After Easter, new Catholics enter a period of reflection called Mystagogy. Here, they deepen their understanding of the Sacraments, grow in prayer, and continue exploring how to live as disciples of Christ. While the formal period begins after Easter, the journey of faith continues for a lifetime.
A Journey and a Destination
OCIA is both the destination of entering the Catholic Church and the lifelong journey of faith. Whether you’re certain about becoming Catholic or just want to learn more, we would love to walk with you.
For more information, contact the parish office at 763-473-7901.
Formed
FORMED is a transformational online resource with engaging Catholic content for every stage of faith. You’ll find powerful talks, inspiring studies, movies, and classic spiritual books all in one place.
How to Get Started:
- Visit FORMED.org
- Click “Sign Up”
- Select “I belong to a Parish or Organization”
- Search for Holy Name of Jesus (by name or zip code: 55391)
- Enter your email and you’re in!
Looking for a place to start? Try The Search, a beautifully produced and powerful video series available on FORMED.
Need help logging in? Contact Chris Kostelc at 763-745-3489.
