The Challenge star Tony Raines is celebrating a major step in his faith journey.
“Absolutely life changing…Officially completed OCIA and got the paperwork to prove it!” Raines, 37, shared via Instagram on Monday, May 4. “But the journey has just begun. Thank you to everyone who had a part in getting me to this point.”
OCIA is designed for adults who are considering joining the Catholic church through celebrating the sacraments of initiation, including baptism, confirmation and eucharist.
While Raines celebrated his official entrance into the Catholic church during Easter weekend on April 4, he didn’t receive an official certificate from his Louisiana parish until this month.
“I am forever grateful and give all glory to God and my lord and savior, Jesus Christ ✝️,” he continued. “#blessed #catholic #confirmation #baptism #communion.”
Soon after sharing his news, Raines received support from many of his friends from The Challenge and The Real World.
“Always knew you were one of us! 🙏🤘,” fellow Catholic Derrick Kosinski wrote in the comments section. Jenna Compono added, “Love this! [My husband] Zach did the same thing!”
Reality TV fans met Raines when he appeared on Real World: Skeletons in 2014. He later appeared on various seasons of The Challenge and even won Champs vs. Stars 2 in 2018.
More recently, Raines has stepped away from reality TV and documented his life as a husband to his high school sweetheart, Alyssa Marie Giacone, and a father of two girls.
Last month, Raines celebrated his love story with Giacone by having a wedding ceremony in the Catholic church.
“Marrying her once just wasn’t enough for me so we did it again…” he wrote via Instagram on April 3. “This time with the Catholic Church’s blessing 💒🤵🏻♂️👰♀️. #convalidation #sacrament #OCIA #blessedmarriage #faithandfamily.”
Ever since his OCIA journey began, Raines has shared glimpses of his faith online. On Sundays, the former MTV reality star can often be found at church with his daughters.
“If we don’t teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to 🙏,” he previously wrote via Instagram on April 19.
As for the support he has received from family, friends and even strangers, Raines said he doesn’t take it lightly.
“What started out for me as ‘going through the process’ turned into something more meaningful than I expected. This journey has challenged me, grounded me and honestly changed me for the better,” Raines shared via Instagram on April 5. “I am very thankful for everyone who walked with me through this and forever grateful for the peace I’ve found that I didn’t even realize I was missing.”
