View OCIA Calendar

In November of 2021, the U.S. Bishops approved a new translation of the RCIA names, now calling it OCIA, the ”Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.” The word “Rite” refers to a single ceremony. The process of Initiation consists of several ceremonies, or “Rites”. The word “Order” makes a clearer statement that this is a process, not just a single event – it is a lifelong process of learning and growing in faith. So, as you see this new acronym appear, you will know it is still the same process, series of events, rites, classes, and meetings, but that it just has a new name, to better reflect what the process involves. 

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) sessions are to help adults/teens who want to learn more about the Catholic Faith and potentially join the Catholic Church. They are informative, informal gatherings of people to learn about the traditions of the Catholic Church. Please share this with someone you might know who is interested in our faith. Invite them to come to hear about it. There is no pressure, just discussions and talks about what we as Catholics practice and believe. It is a great way to learn the truth and dispel the misunderstandings of our faith and practices. Please call the rectory at 740-373-3643 if you have questions about the process.

OCIA sponsors: There is a need for Catholics, members of our church, who would like to attend OCIA and help to sponsor a person going through this journey of faith. If you are interested, please come to the sessions or call the rectory at 740-373-3643.

OCIA is the process by which adults and teenagers become members of the Catholic Church. OCIA is for people of all walks of life:  people raised in other faiths, people who were baptized Catholic but were not raised Catholic, people with no religious background at all. The OCIA is designed to meet you where you are, and to walk with you on your journey of faith.

OCIA is a journey of faith.  It is a time to learn about God and your relationship with God. It is a time to learn about the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church, and to meet supportive and loving members of St. Mary Parish.  It is a time for personal growth and deepening of faith.

OCIA meetings take place every Monday night from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, from September through April.

Should you decide to join the Catholic Church, you will be brought into full membership during the celebration of the Easter Vigil, which takes place the evening before Easter Sunday.  The Easter Vigil is an amazing celebration of the Catholic faith; no one comes away from it without being touched by God’s grace.  At the Vigil you will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism*, Confirmation, and Holy Communion), making you a full member of the Catholic Church.

(*The Catholic Church does not repeat Baptism if performed according to the form recognized by the Catholic Church.)


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I there alone?
Never – you will have a sponsor, usually a spouse, family member or friend.  But, the parish has many volunteers who will sponsor you, and will be at your side each week and at every ceremony.

May I simply attend to learn about the Catholic faith, or do I have to commit to becoming Catholic? Certainly, you may simply attend and learn. After prayerful thought, if you feel called to be a full member of the church, you would be initiated at the Easter Vigil, or say this is not something I choose to do. The decision is up to you.

Isn’t September to Easter a long time? OCIA participants are always amazed how fast the time goes.  You will be part of a very close group.  Many life-long friendships are formed in OCIA.

What actually goes on during our Monday night meetings? After a brief prayer, a OCIA team member will present a topic of our faith.  This is followed by refreshments provided by parish members.  The second part of the evening usually includes discussion and time for questions and answers.  We always end with a prayer.

How can I get more information or sign up? Contact the rectory at 740-373-3643 for additional information.


RESOURCES

Audio Files: Recent OCIA presentations are archived for participants who missed the sessions, and for anyone else interested.
(Be patient! Audio files can be large; it may take several minutes.)

September 21, 2026Welcome to OCIA by Diane Rauch
September 28, 2026Tour of the Basilica by Fr. Edward
October 5, 2026Prayer by Louise Barton
October 12, 2026Introduction to Scripture and Tradition in the Church by Joe Schmidt
October 19, 2026The Mass – Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist by Fr. Edward & Cathy Rauch
October 26, 2026The Old Testament by Fr. Edward / Sponsor Training by Matt Lupardus
November 2, 2026The Person of Jesus by Diane Rauch
November 9, 2026The New Testament by Matt Lupardus
November 16, 2026Trinity & Faith by Fr. Emmanuel / Practice for Rite
November 22, 2026Rite of Acceptance (Sunday 10:00 am Mass) Dismissals begin on Sundays
November 23, 2026Advent and the Life of Grace by Louise Barton / Sacramentals by Diane Rauch
November 30, 2026History and Development of the Church by Fr. Edward
December 7, 2026Mary and the Saints by Diane Rauch
December 14, 2026Overview of the Sacraments and the Sacrament of Baptism by Fr. Emmanuel
December 21, 2026Potluck and Ornament Exchange at 6:00 pm
December 28, 2026No Class / Christmas Break
January 4, 2027Sacrament of the Eucharist (Part 1) by Matt Lupardus
January 11, 2027Christian Living/Morality (Part 1) by Joe Schmidt
January 18, 2027Christian Living/Morality (Part 2) by OCIA Team
January 25, 2027Sacramental Vocations – Priesthood, Diaconate, and Marriage by Fr. Edward, Deacon Lee, Matt and Leslie Lupardus
February 1, 2027Confirmation and the Non-Sacramental Vocations and States of Life – Religious & Single Life by Joe Schmidt & Diane Rauch
February 8, 2027The Season of Lent by Ellyn Branham / Stations of the Cross by Father Emmanuel
February 10, 2027Ash Wednesday
February 15, 2027Sacraments of Healing by Father Edward / Practice for Rite of Election
February 20, 2027Rite of Sending (Saturday 5:30 pm Mass)
February 21, 2027Rite of Election (Sunday 2:00 pm tentative)
February 22, 2027Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell by Father Tom Nelson
February 28, 2027First Scrutiny (Sunday 8:00 am Mass)
March 1, 2027Reconciliation Practicals by Cathy Rauch
March 7, 2027Second Scrutiny (Sunday 10:00 am Mass)
March 8, 2027Topic TBA
March 14, 2027Third Scrutiny (Sunday 12:00 pm Mass)
March 15, 2027Easter Season & Holy Week by Diane Rauch
March 17, 2027Parish Penance Service (Wednesday at 7:00 pm)
March 21, 2027The Passion Movie (Sunday at 6:00 pm in Social Hall)
March 22, 2027Eucharist II (Practicals) by Cathy Rauch (Upstairs in church)
March 27, 2027Easter Vigil – Practice at 8:00 am & Evening Vigil TBA
March 29, 2027No Class
April 5, 2027New Life in the Fullness of Christ / Ministries at the Basilica by Matt Lupardus
April 12, 2027Prayer II / Eucharistic Adoration by Father Emmanuel
April 19, 2027Angels and Demons by Fr. Tom
April 26, 2027Potluck / Final Gathering at 6:00 pm