OCIA 2026-2027

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 14, 2026.  If you would like more information, please complete the form below.

Inquirer Information Form

Class Schedule for 2026 – 2027

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

Additional Items and Dates

• Ash Wednesday February 10
• Rite of Election February 14 and Lenten Scrutinies February 28, March 7 and 14 at 11:00 Mass
• Saturday March 27 Rehearsal for Easter Vigil AM
• Saturday March 27 Easter Vigil Mass PM

OCIA Instructors

Father Barnes, Parochial Administrator 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.