OCIA

If you are interested in becoming Catholic — whether by Baptism (if you have never been baptized) or Profession of Faith (if you have been baptized in another religion) or if you would like to find out what the Catholic Church is all about — this program is for you.

Those who discern that they would like to become Catholic will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil Mass. In addition to the weekly sessions, we celebrate the Rites and Blessings of the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) on several different Sundays throughout the year.

OCIA classes are held on Mondays beginning September 8, 2025.  If you would like more information, please complete the form below.

Inquirer Information Form

Class Schedule for 2025 – 2026

1. September 8—Introduction and overview of OCIA process

2. September 15—Existence of God, Divine Revelation, and History of Salvation (CCC 26-73)

3. September 22—Sacred Scripture and Tradition (CCC 74-184)

4. September 29—Jesus Christ (CCC 484-534)

5. October 6—Sin and Grace (396-421; 1854-1864; 1996-2005)

6. October 20—The Church—One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic (CCC 748-945)

7. October 27—Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory (CCC 992-1065)

8. November 3—Mary and the Saints (CCC 487-511; 946-987)

9. November 10—Sacraments and the Liturgy (CCC 1066-1209)

10. November 17—Baptism and Confirmation (CCC 1210-1321)

11. December 1—Confession and Anointing of the Sick (CCC 1420-1532)

12. December 15—Marriage and Holy Orders (CCC 1533-1666)

13. January 5—The Eucharist (CCC 1322-1419)

14. January 12—The Mass (CCC 1322-1419)

15. January 26—Prayer, Devotions, and Sacramentals (CCC 1667-1690; 2558-2865)

16. February 2—Morality and Formation of Conscience (CCC 1700-1845)

17. February 9—The Ten Commandments, 1-4 (CCC 2052-2257)

18. February 23—The Ten Commandments, 5-10 (CCC 2258-2557)

19. March 2—Church Tour

20. March 9—Confession and Holy Communion Practice, Precepts of the Church

21. March 16—Candidate Interviews + Holy Week Presentation (one half to be assigned)

22. March 23—Candidate Interviews + Holy Week Presentation (the other half to be assigned)

23. March 30—First Confessions

24. April 13— Universal call to holiness: virtues and lives of the saints

25. April 20— Prayer, Confession, service, and parish life

Additional Items and Dates

• Ash Wednesday February 18
• Rite of Election February 22 and Lenten Scrutinies March 8, 15, 22 at 11:00 Mass
• Saturday April 4 Rehearsal for Easter Vigil AM
• Saturday April 4 Easter Vigil Mass PM

OCIA Instructors

Father Posey, Rector

Father Barnes, Parochial Vicar, frbarnes@cathedralstm.org

Father Weston, Director, Office of Divine Worship

Deacon Malcolm D’Souza

Lay Team

David Ballintyn

Contact

For more information, please contact the Director of Christian Initiation, Rev. Nicholas Barnes, at 703-525-1300 or FrBarnes@cathedralstm.org.