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 in September 2024.  If you would like more information, please complete the form below.

Inquirer Information Form

Class Schedule for 2024 – 2025

1. September 23—Introduction and overview of OCIA process
2. September 30—Existence of God, Divine Revelation, and History of Salvation (CCC 26-73)
3. October 7—Sacred Scripture and Tradition (CCC 74-184)
4. October 21—Jesus Christ (CCC 484-534)
5. October 28—The Church—One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic (CCC 748-945)
6. November 4—Sin and Grace (396-421; 1854-1864; 1996-2005)
7. November 18—Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory (CCC 992-1065)
8. December 2—Mary and the Saints (CCC 487-511; 946-987)
9. December 9—Sacraments and the Liturgy (CCC 1066-1209)
10. December 16—Baptism and Confirmation (CCC 1210-1321)
11. January 6—Confession and Anointing of the Sick (CCC 1420-1532)
12. January 13—Marriage and Holy Orders (CCC 1533-1666)
13. January 27—The Eucharist (CCC 1322-1419)
14. February 3—The Mass (CCC 1322-1419)
15. February 10—Prayer, Devotions, and Sacramentals (CCC 1667-1690; 2558-2865)
16. February 24—Morality and Formation of Conscience (CCC 1700-1845)
17. March 3—The Ten Commandments, 1-4 (CCC 2052-2257)
18. March 10—The Ten Commandments, 5-10 (CCC 2258-2557)
19. March 17—Church Tour and the Mass
20. March 24—Confession and Holy Communion Practice, Precepts of the Church
21. March 31—Candidate Interviews + Holy Week Presentation (one half to be assigned)
22. April 7—Candidate Interviews + Holy Week Presentation (the other half to be assigned)
23. April 14—First Confessions
24. April 28— Universal call to holiness: virtues and lives of the saints
25. May 5— Prayer, Confession, service, and parish life

Additional Items and Dates

• Optional Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Washington D.C. TBD
• Ash Wednesday March 5
• Rite of Election March 9 and Lenten Scrutinies March 23, 30, and April 6 (to be confirmed)
• April 18 Holy Thursday
• April 19 Good Friday
• Saturday April 19 Rehearsal for Easter Vigil AM
• Saturday April 19 Easter Vigil Mass PM

OCIA Instructors

Father Posey, Rector

Father Barnes, Parochial Vicar, frbarnes@cathedralstm.org

Father Weston, Director, Office of Divine Worship

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.