OCIA stand for Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (formally RCIA - same process, new name), which a fancy way of saying, the process for joining the Church and preparing for baptism, confirmation, and communion.
Our Youth/Family track of OCIA offers youth (age 8/grade 3 and above) who desire to be brought into full communion with the Catholic Church the time and environment to be formed in the teachings and practices of Catholicism, and so prepare them for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Please note: if your child has not had any prior catechesis/formation, they will be required to complete one year of faith formation (through CGS or EDGE) prior to starting the RCIA process, which would make their sacramental preparation a 2 year process.
OCIA officially begins on September 5
and continues through Easter of 2024 (last day of class is 5/14/24)
We believe that parents are the first teachers of the faith for their children, therefore, the Family OCIA process focuses not only on preparing the child for the sacraments, but also helping the parents continue to grow in their faith and learn how to cultivate it in their children as they get older. Because of this, it is required that at least one parent/guardian attend each session with their child. During each session there will be time for children and parents to be instructed separately as well as time for parent and child to break open the faith together.
If you would like to be a part of OCIA Youth/Family track, please download and return a Child_Teen_Inquirer_Information_Form.pdf - once we receive this form, we will contact you to set up an initial meeting to provide you with an overview of the process, answer any questions you might have, and determine how best to serve you throughout the OCIA process.